Chapter 54: Gu Zhen’s Complaint

Chapter 54: Gu Zhen's Complaint

"Moreover, this is just the worst-case scenario."

"Gu Huai is the meticulously groomed heir of the Duke's family. He might not necessarily go mad; perhaps we are just worrying unnecessarily," Lu Mingchao said, tilting her head up with a gentle smile.

"Though I sometimes think I have a bit of charm, it's not enough to be that captivating."

It was already afternoon, and the thin layer of snow on the roof began to melt, like a light drizzle, dripping down the eaves in delicate strands, layer upon layer.

To the ears, it sounded like pearls dropping onto a jade plate, adding a hint of coolness.

Xie Yan and Lu Yao exchanged a glance and couldn't help but chuckle.

Gu Zhen's presence in Changxi Village was itself a signal.

Xie Yan reached out and tucked a strand of Lu Mingchao's hair behind her ear, his gaze filled with warmth as he looked down at her upturned face.

Her fair, jade-like complexion was most striking, particularly her bright, clear eyes that shone like a clear spring. At times, they rippled with laughter, making him feel joy just by quietly gazing at her.

At other times, they were like leaves growing toward the sun, radiating an omnipresent vitality that unconsciously uplifted those around her, fearless of wind, frost, rain, or snow, growing vigorously and resiliently.

Such a remarkable person, Gu Huai, who had everything he desired since childhood, would never easily let her go.

If it were truly as the rumors said, that he was utterly indifferent to Mingchao, he wouldn't have so contradictorily hinted and guided Gu Zhen to come here.

Perhaps Gu Huai was filled with absolute confidence and arrogance, even mixed with a secret delight, firmly believing that Gu Zhen could bring Mingchao back to the capital, fulfilling his unspoken, twisted desires.

But what Gu Zhen returned with was the news of Mingchao's marriage.

Gu Huai's confidence, arrogance, and secret delight would all turn into anger and obsession.

How utterly despicable.

Xie Yan curved his lips indulgently and said, "Mingchao makes a good point."

Lu Yao: It made him feel rather superfluous.

But, to be fair, the sight of Mingchao and Xie Yan standing together was exceptionally pleasing to the eye.

"Let's hope Lu Miao hasn't lost her knack for being clingy and troublesome."

With Lu Miao around, Gu Huai would certainly have a headache.

...

The capital.

Gu Zhen's carriage slowly passed through the towering, ancient city gates, returning once more to the bustling, crowded streets at the emperor's feet.

The brazier in the carriage had turned to ashes, with only occasional sparks flickering before finally dying out and merging into the pile of ashes.

The wind lifted the carriage curtain, and Gu Zhen leaned out, pointing at a distant figure who had mounted a horse and was galloping away. She pursed her lips in displeasure, "Isn't that one of our family's guards?"

Gu Zhen was asking a rhetorical question, her tone devoid of any real doubt.

The guard driving the carriage outside felt a chill and stammered, "It should be."

Gu Zhen's brows knitted slightly. Her brother truly spared no effort.

Letting the carriage curtain fall, Gu Zhen leaned back on the soft cushion and closed her eyes to rest. The constant hawking of street vendors and the gleeful shouts of children playing along the bustling street gradually smoothed out Gu Zhen's furrowed brows.

Changxi Village has its own unique charm.

The capital city, too, has its own allure.

But since Lu Mingchao chose Changxi Village, her choice should be respected.

Lu Mingchao was never some stray animal, to be called and sent away at her brother's whim.

Time ticked by slowly.

When Gu Huai finally heard that the carriage had entered the capital, a subtle joy stirred within him.

"Bu Yan, where is the sky-blue brocade robe and the white fox fur coat that were delivered yesterday?"

Bu Yan nodded and swiftly located them.

He wasn't feeling hopeful.

Ah Qiu should have sent back news of Miss Lu at the first opportunity, but to this day, there has been no message.

If there's no news, it must mean something's gone wrong.

"Is the young master planning to personally welcome the young lady?"

Gu Huai's hand, which was adjusting the jade belt at his waist, paused slightly, and he said indifferently, "Naturally."

Bu Yan thought to himself, 'This is a new level of self-deception.'

Donning the fur coat, Gu Huai marched out of the mansion with purpose.

Bu Yan gritted his teeth and followed closely.

The long alley was home solely to the Duke's family.

As soon as Gu Huai reached the entrance of the alley, he saw the distant carriage approaching. The joy in his heart was quickly swept away by the cold wind, replaced by a smug confidence. His brows unconsciously furrowed slightly, and his eyes took on a cold disdain as he walked forward without looking sideways.

"Young Master."

The guard reined in the horse, and the carriage stopped.

Gu Huai said nonchalantly, "Has the young lady returned?"

Bursting with anger, Gu Zhen yanked open the carriage curtain, her voice frosty, "Brother, your acting still needs work."

Gu Huai, tall and straight, glanced up, and everything in the carriage came into view.

Only Gu Zhen and Ah Qiu.

Where is Lu Mingchao?

Did Gu Zhen send Lu Mingchao back to the Yongning Marquis family?

A faint confusion appeared in Gu Huai's eyes.

"Did brother come specifically to pick me up?" Gu Zhen ignored Gu Huai's silence and continued.

Gu Huai shook his head, "Brother was out visiting guests, and we happened to meet."

"That really is a coincidence," Gu Zhen said with a mocking tone. "It looks like your visit today is off, brother. I have something to confront you about."

Gu Zhen yanked the curtain down and lightly tapped the carriage with her slightly bent fingers. "Back to the estate."

The creaking sound of the wheels started again.

Gu Huai looked at Bu Yan. "Did something upset her outside?"

"It's not surprising, though. Zhenzhen and Lu Mingchao have never really seen eye to eye."

Bu Yan hesitated, thinking his master had a knack for kidding himself.

As soon as Gu Zhen returned to the estate, unwashed and disheveled, she stormed into the Pine and Cypress Courtyard with two guards and Ah Qiu.

The Duke of Zhenguo made his home in the Pine and Cypress Courtyard.

"Father!"

"Your daughter has something to report."

There are no secrets that don't come out. The news of Lu Mingchao marrying someone else couldn't be hidden.

Rather than waiting for her brother to find out and go crazy without restraint, it would be better to have her father step in to control the situation.

The anger she had bottled up for days needed to be let out, or it would eat her alive.

The Duke of Zhenguo was a towering figure, his eyes sharp and lively, exuding dignity and authority.

"Come in," the Duke of Zhenguo said, putting down the yellowed military book in his hand and sitting upright on the carved wooden chair, exuding a strong aura of authority.

Gu Zhen pushed the door open, tears streaming down her face, her travel-weary appearance making her look all the more pitiful. "Father, you must stand up for me."

Seeing Gu Zhen in tears, the Duke of Zhenguo was thrown off balance.

His daughter had been spoiled since childhood and was stubborn, willing to offend people to death rather than shed a tear.

"Zhenzhen, don't cry."

"Weren't you visiting friends?"

The Duke of Zhenguo, a general who had galloped across battlefields for half his life, didn't have a handkerchief at hand, so he offered his brocade sleeve, then fearing it might scratch Gu Zhen's face, he rolled up his outer robe sleeve instead.

At this moment, Gu Huai arrived belatedly.

Seeing Gu Zhen with tears in her eyes, he felt inexplicably guilty.

Gu Zhen sobbed and poured out all the grievances and what had happened.

"Pathetic fraud."