At the entrance of Gu Manor, around noon.
Lin Xianhong paced back and forth anxiously.
Her family was in chaos right now.
Her mother was constantly in tears, smashing things at the slightest provocation.
Her father had taken leave from work to comfort her at home.
Her grandfather's old illness had relapsed, and he had been coughing up blood for the past two days.
From the looks of it, he might not last much longer.
For all these years, he had relied on the God Preservation Pill to prolong his life.
The God Preservation Pill was Chang Divine Doctor's exclusive secret recipe.
One pill sold for thirty taels of silver.
Don't complain about the price; there were no discounts.
Ordinary people couldn't even get their hands on it if they wanted to.
Lin Xianhong had wanted to visit Chang Baicao early this morning.
After all, she was Chang Baicao's only disciple.
A few days ago, Chang Baicao had thrown a tantrum and said he would no longer treat anyone from the Lin Family, which she presumed was at Ning Que's instigation. Now that they had completely severed ties, Chang Baicao couldn't possibly abandon her, could he?
She never expected...
He actually could!
She couldn't even get through the door of the medical hall!
The medicine boy at the entrance no longer showed her any respect, only saying that Chang Baicao had gone to the mountains to gather herbs and didn't know when he would return.
Lin Xianhong didn't understand.
She just wanted to save someone.
Why was everyone helping Ning Que?
She was clearly the victim!
Even her closest relatives blamed her.
But before this, hadn't they all supported her?
Fortunately, she still had Gu Yuan.
He was the only warmth in this cold world!
Soon, a carriage stopped in front of the manor.
Gu Yuan helped Gu Mingzhi alight.
"Gu Lang!"
Lin Xianhong quickly stepped forward.
She saw that Gu Mingzhi's face was swollen, his lips looked like hanging sausages, and there were even traces of blood.
"What happened to Uncle Gu?"
Gu Mingzhi covered his face and looked at Gu Yuan.
Finally, he snorted heavily and flicked his sleeves, entering the door.
He had always looked down on Lin Xianhong.
She was conceited, thinking she was capable.
In reality, everything was just flattery from others.
Only Ning Que would like such a woman.
Lin Xianhong now had little value.
It was better to cut ties early to avoid trouble.
"Gu Lang, Uncle...
"Alas."
Gu Yuan tried hard to maintain his friendly persona.
"Let's not talk about that for now."
"Why are you waiting at the entrance?"
"I was thinking of waiting for you."
"Then let's go inside first."
"Okay."
Lin Xianhong forced a smile.
She felt no anger.
Instead, she thought that the Gu Family also had it tough.
As she stepped over the threshold, Lin Xianhong paused.
She could feel the disdainful gaze of the gatekeepers.
She inexplicably recalled what happened years ago at Ning Royal Mansion.
Old Princess Ning held her hand.
She summoned all the servants to the courtyard.
She announced to everyone that she was the Crown Princess Consort!
She was the future Madam of Ning Royal Mansion!
Disrespecting her was disrespecting Prince Ning!
It was from that day on that things began to go smoothly.
No matter what difficulties arose, they were always resolved easily.
"Xianhong, what's wrong?"
"Nothing..."
Lin Xianhong looked at Gu Yuan and smiled softly.
But she knew in her heart that she loved Gu Yuan.
As for Ning Que, it was merely gratitude.
But Ning Que was too overbearing and shameless.
He restrained her in every way, using all sorts of methods.
He even drugged her!
This kindness had already been repaid!
Therefore, she would not regret it.
Without Ning Que, she would only live a better life!
...
Upon reaching the pavilion, Gu Yuan motioned for Lin Xianhong to sit first.
He called for the maids and asked them to prepare some fruits and vegetables.
"During today's court session, Emperor Feng favored Ning Que. He held a grand coronation ceremony for him as a prince, and also put him in charge of the peace talks with the Western Liang envoys."
"How could that be?" Lin Xianhong looked puzzled, "You were the one who defeated the main force of Western Liang, forcing them to retreat. By all accounts, you should be in charge of these peace talks. Besides, Ning Que is just a good-for-nothing fop, how can he shoulder such an important responsibility?"
"That's why I said he favored him."
"He's just relying on his father's and brother's achievements!"
A look of disgust flashed across Lin Xianhong's face.
Emperor Feng was determined to promote Ning Que.
Doesn't he fear he'll fall?
"What about my elder brother?"
"He... Alas!" Gu Yuan looked ashamed, raising his hand and saying, "I'm sorry, I've tried my best. It was going smoothly, but Ning Que was too aggressive. I stepped forward to plead, but was reprimanded. My father only said two good words for Lin Chao, and was ordered to be slapped in the face. Fortunately, Emperor Feng considered my military achievements, and finally spared Lin Chao the death penalty, but he was still stripped of his official title and demoted to a commoner."
Bang!
Lin Xianhong slammed the table and stood up.
"He... How could he do that to you all?!"
"He even implicated Uncle, no wonder he's angry."
"Gu Lang, why don't I take a look at Uncle?"
"I'll have someone get the medicine box now."
"Forget it, don't bother." Gu Yuan waved his hand, feigning nonchalance, creating an image of deep affection, "Xianhong, it's only right for me to do anything for you. As long as Lin Chao is fine, that's enough. He'll be released today, go and pick him up. Let him rest well at home, and tell him not to worry about his official title. Western Liang will soon go to war, and there will be plenty of battles to fight in the future. As long as I have food to eat, I won't let him go hungry!"
"Gu Lang... Thank you!"
"If it weren't for you, I wouldn't know what to do."
Lin Xianhong's eyes reddened.
She couldn't help but throw herself into Gu Yuan's arms.
Gu Yuan felt the warmth and softness, and his heart immediately raced. Just as he was about to make a further move, he was pushed away again by Lin Xianhong.
"How about you stay at Gu Manor today?"
"No, I can't." Lin Xianhong blushed, whispering, "You and I are not yet officially together. Gu Lang, I will wait for you to marry me."
"Hehe... I was too eager."
Gu Yuan smiled outwardly, but cursed inwardly.
You hussy!
Ning Que can touch you, but I can't?
And you still want to enter my Gu Family's door?
Dream on!
"Gu Lang, the silver you mentioned last night..."
"Don't worry, Xianhong." Gu Yuan smiled faintly, "I attended the court session today, so I didn't have time to go to the pawnshop. In three days, the silver will definitely be delivered."
"Okay, then what about Aunt?"
Lin Xianhong blinked her phoenix eyes.
Madam Gu was famously picky in Chang'an.
However, she was still good to her.
When Gu Yuan was poisoned, Madam Gu held her hand. She even said it was a pity that she married Ning Que, otherwise she could definitely have had a beautiful story with Gu Yuan. She also told her to visit the Gu Family more often in the future, saying she would treat her like a adopted daughter. Every day, she would send her some valuable jewelry, and even gave her the Gu Family's heirloom.
"Mother went to the Wuwei Taoist Temple in Taoshan." Gu Yuan smiled, explaining, "After I recovered for a while, she said she wanted to go offer incense and fulfill a vow. She'll look for you when she comes back."
"Okay, then I'll head back first."
"I'll see you out."
"No need, your matters are more important."
Lin Xianhong smiled, stood up, and bowed.
She left with her personal maid.
"Tsk, what an idiot!"
Gu Yuan spat dismissively.
At this moment, an elegant and noble woman walked out. Seeing Lin Xianhong's retreating back, she said with immense disdain, "Son, you must not get so close to her in the future. She's just a discarded woman, how could she be worthy of my Gu Family?"
"Mother, don't worry, your son knows what he's doing." Gu Yuan smiled, "She still has some use, at least she knows a bit of medicine. As long as I give her some benefits, I can keep her hanging. Besides, she might be useful later when dealing with Ning Que."
Madam Gu immediately started to laugh.
But her laughter was exceedingly sinister.
"Good, that's my Gu Family son!"