Chapter 27: Her Brother is Truly Despicable

Chapter 27: Her Brother is Truly Despicable

"Zhenzhen, everyone has a time in their youth when they are ignorant and blinded by a single leaf. Now that I have returned from my lost path, finding my own true love, it is my fortune, and you should be happy for me."

Each word fell on Gu Zhen's ears like a clap of thunder, leaving her fried and confused, lost and helpless.

In the past, she had never imagined hearing such words from Lu Mingchao.

It was well-known in Shangjing that Lu Mingchao's feelings for her brother were like the scorching summer sun, fiery and intense, leaving no room for anything else. Even a thousand-year-old ice block would eventually melt.

But Lu Mingchao left the Yongning Marquis family in disgrace before her brother could ever soften his heart.

But was her brother really not moved at all?

If not, why did Bu Yan hide from her and secretly seek out Ah Qiu before her departure?

This…

This was truly a tangled mess that couldn't be unraveled.

"Lu Mingchao, do you really not like my brother anymore?"

Lu Mingchao nodded, her expression calm and unruffled. "I don't like him anymore."

Her words were spoken without a ripple of emotion.

Gu Zhen tried to find even a hint of petulance in Lu Mingchao's expression, but unfortunately, there was none.

When her brother was mentioned, Lu Mingchao's eyes no longer overflowed with affection; they were emotionless, like dew encountered by chance.

Well, so be it.

It’s actually a good thing that she no longer likes her brother. In the past few years, she had always felt wronged on Lu Mingchao's behalf.

"It’s truly a good thing that you've figured it out."

"But can a hunter from some remote and impoverished area really be your true love?"

Gu Zhen felt that Lu Mingchao had been shocked and had gone crazy.

Lu Mingchao smiled, her eyes curved. "Xie Yan is great, and for now, it seems he is my true love."

"My second brother said that if Xie Yan treats me poorly, he will take it upon himself to divorce him for me."

"Zhenzhen, I’m really happy to be reunited with my family."

Gu Zhen hesitated to speak, but upon seeing Lu Mingchao's genuine smile, she swallowed the annoying and inauspicious words she had been about to say.

When they were children, their teacher had said, "You are not a fish; how can you know its joy?"

"Okay, fine." Gu Zhen pouted.

"Is the wedding tomorrow?"

Lu Mingchao nodded.

"Then I have to stick around and see what kind of hunter has won your heart."

"If that hunter dares to throw his weight around and act macho in front of you, don't hold back. Give him a good beating if you have to. I've got your back."

Gu Zhen had a very basic and deeply rooted impression of mountain hunters.

They were probably rough around the edges, ten to one.

The gentle and delicate Lu Mingchao likely couldn't even take one punch from a hunter.

Gu Zhen couldn't help but sigh again.

"Ah Qiu, bring in all the things I brought for Lu Mingchao."

"Yes, miss."

Gu Zhen always felt like she was overlooking something, until she noticed the fresh plum blossom mark on Lu Mingchao's forehead. "Lu Mingchao, did that cut on your forehead heal?"

"I remember it was pretty bad, with blood gushing out."

Lu Mingchao remained expressionless, smiling as he said, "Maybe I just have a unique body type."

Gu Zhen pouted and muttered under her breath, "That's not it."

Clearly, it was her miracle healing ointment that did the trick!

Ah Qiu and two guards made several trips back and forth before they finished carrying everything in.

"Lu Mingchao, I had all these prepared especially for you."

"Come on, admit I’m gorgeous and kind-hearted."

Considering how bad off Lu Mingchao was, Gu Zhen decided to skip the formal bow.

"Yeah, yeah, Zhenzhen’s beautiful and kind-hearted, the best person ever." Lu Mingchao smiled.

Just knowing Gu Zhen came to find her despite her concerns made Lu Mingchao feel grateful.

Gu Zhen proudly lifted her chin. "Admit it."

"Sigh, if only your second brother were one of the noble young masters in the capital, I could persuade my mother to sound out about a marriage alliance."

"Even if he was useless, just looking at that face, I’d smack myself twice during an argument."

Lu Mingchao: ...

Gu Zhen, who had been doted on since childhood, really was straightforward.

She’s actually really cute.

"What a shame," Gu Zhen sighed, leaning on Lu Mingchao’s shoulder.

After she returned, she wouldn’t get to see her anymore.

Wait!

In an instant, a bright thought flashed through Gu Zhen's mind.

Her parents wouldn't allow her to marry a peasant's son, and naturally, they wouldn't allow her brother to marry Lu Mingchao either. So why had her brother been subtly guiding her to bring Lu Mingchao back to the capital?

Could it be that her brother wanted Lu Mingchao to be a concubine?

Gu Zhen sneered, her teeth clenched in frustration. Her brother was really thinking too highly of himself.

In proper large households, concubines had to live at the mercy of the main wife, with no dignity or self-respect to speak of.

If Lu Mingchao had to kowtow to Lu Minghui, she would be livid.

Her brother's idea was not only an insult to Lu Mingchao but also a mockery of the companionship they had shared over the past few years.

She must marry! Lu Mingchao has to get married!

That was the only way to put an end to her brother's absurd idea.

What if the hunter is unattractive? Well, clothes make the man and fine trappings the horse, and if that didn't work, she could leave extra silver for Lu Mingchao.

If the hunter's character was poor, she could have the mansion guards beat him into compliance before she left, so that Lu Mingchao could take charge immediately.

What kind of person is her brother, really?!

The more Gu Zhen thought about it, the angrier she became.

"Lu Mingchao, it's absolutely the right decision that you let go of my brother."

"Your future will surely be free of darkness, bright and brilliant."

Lu Mingchao blinked, her voice filled with laughter. "I think so too."

Gu Zhen asked, "Where will I stay tonight?"

"Would staying with me be beneath you?" Lu Mingchao raised her eyebrows.

Gu Zhen pushed down the sudden disgust for her brother. "It would be a bit beneath me, but it's not unacceptable."

"Then I'll graciously agree to stay with you for one night."

Standing beside them, Ah Qiu was in turmoil, twisting her handkerchief tightly, her eyes occasionally glancing nervously at Lu Mingchao.

If Miss Lu was determined to marry, how could she bring Miss Lu back to the capital for the Young Master and let him keep her in luxury?

Her lady had also changed her mind because of a few words from Miss Lu, leaving her feeling isolated.

Ah Qiu really couldn't understand.

Even as a concubine or kept woman, Miss Lu would still enjoy a life of luxury and wealth, which was far better than marrying a rough hunter and living a hard life.

The Young Master was handsome and came from a good family with a bright future ahead of him.

Being with the Young Master meant a life of blessings.

No, she had to persuade her lady to help the Young Master achieve his plan.

Gritting her teeth, Ah Qiu moved closer to Gu Zhen. "My lady, I have something to say to you."

The priority was to stop the wedding tomorrow.

Otherwise, even if she sent a letter to the Young Master, he wouldn't be able to make it in time.

Gu Zhen looked up, the smile on her face completely gone, replaced by a look of scrutiny and mockery. "Ah Qiu, if you want to serve in the Qi Mountain Courtyard, I can arrange that for you."

Private nighttime conversation.