Chapter 91 Part 1: Worship Buddha
Since Lin Wei Xi became pregnant, many information were blocked. The news of Duke Yingguo Mansion's decision to adopt Gao Ke as di grandson did not reach her until several days later.
Lin Wei Xi carried around a hand stove, she sank onto the soft cushion. Hearing this news, her slender fingertips moved, and then she lowered her head to conceal the look in her eyes, silently staring at the birds and flowers' engraving on the hand stove in her hands.
Although there had not official ceremony yet, Gao Ke's adoption had already been confirmed. When the ancestral hall opened in the future, Gao Ke's name would be written under Wei shi's name. From then on, Gao Ke would be Wei shi's son. Perhaps many years later, when future descendants opened the genealogical record again, only one girl named Gao Xi and another son named Gao Ke found under Wei shi. No one would know about the matter of this adoption, the unclear entanglement between Wei shi and Duke Yingguo Shizi, and the ten-year confrontation between the di wife and the concubine.
Lin Wei Xi lowered her eyes and after a long time she lightly sighed.
After this Duke Yingguo Mansion really became her past, and her entanglement as Gao Xi would be completely over. Afterwards, the Gao family and her were only nodding acquaintance in-laws.
At the end of Lin Wei Xi's previous life, she did not complain about her family, nor did she hate Gu Cheng Yao. She just felt regret that the last trace of her mother left in the world would also die. When she died, who else would remember Duke Yingguo Shizi Consort Wei Shi, who would burn incense for Wei shi every year on the anniversary of her death? Lin Wei Xi felt that she might be born with ungenerous personality and could not learn to be magnanimous, people already dead, why still clinging to false reputation of glory and splendor? But she was just unwilling, she would rather the title of Duke Yingguo Shizi be extinct, or leave it to an outsider, rather than had the child who killed her mother to take over the duke mansion for the rest of her life.
Who Gao Chen think he is?
But these things would have nothing to do with her in the future. She had already secretly push Gao Ke forward. It was Gao Ke's own business, whether he could defeat Gao Chen to get Shizi position, whether he could handle the relationship between the Gao Mansion and his original family, and whether he could carry forward the Gao family. Help the starving not the poor, Lin Wei Xi only carried him till here. No matter whether Gao Ke could live well in the future, Lin Wei Xi would not care anymore.
Wan Xing original intention was to amuse Lin Wei Xi and told the news like gossiping, but after she brought up these things, Lin Wei Xi was uncharacteristically peaceful. Wan Yue felt strange, she watched Lin Wei Xi carefully. Lin Wei Xi lowered her head, stared at the silver hand stove in silence for a while, and sighed a moment later. Although the sigh was low and inaudible, but the mental knot on Lin Wei Xi's brows seemed to disperse, and the whole person became transparent and light, as if the shackles on Lin Wei Xi's body had finally shattered.
Wan Yue felt a bit touched in her heart. Although she didn't understand why Lin Wei Xi was like this, when she saw Wangfei thoroughly came out from the past she was still very happy for Lin Wei Xi. Now that Yan Wang and Lin Wei Xi had a strong relationship, Wangfei Shen's barrier had been resolved, and the future little master also quietly reside in Lin Wei Xi's belly, everything was developing in a good direction. Wan Yue truly hoped that Wangye and Wangfei would be well.
Wan Xing didn't notice this. Seeing that Lin Wei Xi hadn't spoken for a long time, she felt nervous, and her chatter gradually stopped. Lin Wei Xi returned to her senses and raised her head to look at Wan Xing, with a smile in her eyes: "Why you don't speak anymore?"
Wan Xing breathed a sigh of relief, and her tone immediately rise up: "Wangfei, Grand Princess Ru Ning invites you to go to Huangjue Temple to offer incense."
Huangjue Temple was a monastery dedicated to the imperial family. It was the most popular place for imperial princesses and concubines. Lin Wei Xi thought for a while, and asked, "When?"
"The twentieth."
Lin Wei Xi had now passed the most dangerous first three months, and her pregnancy had gradually stabilized. She also wanted to go out and walk around to get some fresh air. Moreover, this period of times was really eventful. Duke Yingguo Shizi unexpectedly died, and the court also quite uneasy. Lin Wei Xi wanted to take this opportunity to offer incense to Lin Yong, Wei Shi and others, and also to pray for Grand Princess Shou Kang and the baby in her belly, wishing in the coming year everyone would be happy and healthy. Now that there were not many people around her, she sincerely wanted them all to be well.
Lin Wei Xi said: "Since it is the Grand Princess's invitation, we have no reason to refuse. You send someone to answer the princess."
Wan Xing responded, turned around and went out to give orders, her set of movements were sharp and nimble.
Now who would think that Wan Xing and Wan Yue were both bought from the outside. Although Wan Yue was a servant of an official family, but in the eyes of people in the capital, what was the difference between a maid of a magistrate in a small remote county and a rural people?
However, step by step, Wan Xing and Wan Yue also metamorphosed into another appearance, and now they were both maidservants in the famous Yan Wang Mansion in the capital.
Lin Wei Xi set up the itinerary to leave the mansion, and didn't care about the rest. On the twentieth, Lin Wei Xi boarded the carriage with many escorts.
When Wangfei went out, Gao Ran also had to accompany her. She was sitting in another carriage, listening to the rhythm of the wheels, slowly drove away from Yan Wang Mansion.
When Lin Wei Xi arrived, Grand Princess Ru Ning's carriage also happened to stop. When Grand Princess Ru Ning saw Lin Wei Xi she immediately greet her with a smile, enthusiastically shook Lin Wei Xi's hand: "It is not easy to see Yan Wangfei, how can Yan Wang willing to let you out today?" As Grand Princess Ru Ning said this she looked back, and then cried out in surprise: "Huh, Yan Wang didn't come along? He actually feel at ease his jade figurine Wangfei went out alone? It seems the sun has come out from the west."
Lin Wei Xi smiled, ignoring Grand Princess Ru Ning's joke, but explained: "Wangye has an urgent matter today and was called away early in the morning. I'm not without hands and feet, how can I unable to walk without him?"
"It's not the same." Grand Princess Ru Ning smiled. "He doesn't say anything, but he must remember it in his heart. Who doesn't know that Yan Wang has been working hard in the past 20 years. But in these few days, he has been absent from training and taking leave from the court early, is it not for the newly pregnant Wangfei. Actually, I can't blame Yan Wang, if I have a beautiful and charming Wangfei like you, I'm also unwilling to let you out of the gate, wishing to be together with you all day.
Everyone who heard this all laughed. Lin Wei Xi was often teased after she got married. At first she was too shy to say anything. Now she was used to it, and she could respond with a few words to this kind of marriage dialogue without changing her face. It was precisely because people felt secure to say this and Lin Wei Xi knew they always joke like this because she had a good relationship with Yan Wang, otherwise why in the previous life, no one ever teased her and Gu Cheng Yao.
Chapter 91 Part 2: Worship Buddha
Lin Wei Xi and Princess Ru Ning walked inside while talking and laughing. Huangjue Temple knew that today the Princess and Yan Wangfei were coming, already at earlier time cleared the hall. Inside the hall with Buddha smoke spirally rising, Lin Wei Xi held the incense and slowly knocked her head three times. Silently said in her heart: "Mother, you have adopted a son under your name. That child is very smart and ambitious. If you see him in the future, I think you will like him."
"Mother, father has also passed away. It is ridiculous to say that you lost blood and ruined your body because of a miscarriage. He had been overbearing for so many years, and finally died also because of blood loss. You two will meet under the nine springs. If you are willing, continue being husband and wife with him, if you're not, then you two should separate, each to be safe and sound. This unfilial daughter hopes that mother and father will have spirits in the sky and when you are reborn to have peaceful and healthy life."
Lin Wei Xi knocked her head, and when she straightened up, she closed her eyes and whispered again: "Daddy Lin Yong, Lin family's mother, I am very grateful for the kindness of you two. In this life, I will always give the offerings for you two. May you two will live smoothly in the afterlife. This time, your whole family must be together for a long time."
For the last wish, Lin Wei Xi said it to her unborn child. "Mother doesn't know if you are a boy or a girl, but you are the treasure of your mother's two lifetimes. Mother hopes that you will come early, but mother also afraid that you will come too soon. Your mother has not yet learn how to be a mother. But as long as this Lin Wei Xi is alive for one day, I will certainly exhaust all of my strength to be good to you."
Lin Wei Xi worshiped three times, with a very pious posture. She looked solemn and slowly inserted the incense into the incense burner.
Although Ru Ning was a princess, but she was also extremely believe in Gods and Buddhas. After the incense offering was over, Grand Princess Ru Ning wanted to follow immediately with listening to the scriptures. Lin Wei Xi was pregnant now and unwilling to sit for a long time, so she politely declined Grand Princess Ru Ning's invitation.
The novice monk in Huangjue Temple carefully led Lin Wei Xi. After walking out of the main hall' gate, the novice monk asked: "Benefactor can go ask for a fortune stick."
Lin Wei Xi came to the Buddhist temple just to seek a peace of mind. She didn't believe thing like that, but for some reason, her refusal had reached the tip of her tongue, but she took it back again.
"Very well, thank you for your trouble master."
It suddenly occurred to Lin Wei Xi that Gu Hui Yan had been fighting for so many years, it was unknown how many large and small wounds on his body, as well as the obvious and hidden injuries. The current political situation also was not peaceful. As the auxiliary Qinwang, Gu Hui Yan was the one standing at the center of the vortex. Even if she could use the excuse of being pregnant to shield him one or two times, the most important part still need Gu Hui Yan to come out personally. She wanted to ask a safety talisman for Gu Hui Yan.
With this, Lin Wei Xi's thoughts seemed to suddenly open. Grand Princess Shou Kang, the friend and relatives she had good relationship with... She wanted to ask for a safety talisman for each of these people, even if it was just for peace of mind.
Lin Wei Xi went to pray for the safety of her relatives and friends. After it was over, a long time had passed. Lin Wei Xi held a thick pile of peach talismans, standing in the bright and cold October' sunshine, feeling unprecedentedly sad.
It turned out before she knew it, she had so much concern after rebirth.
Wan Yue had been following Lin Wei Xi closely. Seeing Lin Wei Xi standing still in the autumn wind for a long time, she stepped forward to support Lin Wei Xi's arm, and whispered softly: "Wangfei, it's cold in the late autumn, let this slave help you sit in the guest room for a while."
Now no one in the mansion dared to let Lin Wei Xi stand for a long time. Lin Wei Xi returned to her senses, nodded gently and agreed.
As an imperial monastery, Huangjue Temple had long prepared clean and quiet rooms for the womenfolk of various mansion. Lin Wei Xi sat in the guest room while waiting for Grand Princess Ru Ning. After sitting for a while, she suddenly frowned, "Where is Shizi Consort?"
When praying to the Buddha, they had to be meditative, so all of them were separately offering incense. After that, she was busy asking for safety talisman, so she didn't notice where Gao Ran went.
Wan Xing ran outside and asked a few words, then came back and said: "Today the ladies of the Duke Yingguo Mansion are also here, Shizi Consort perhaps went to talk to her family."
By such a coincidence, Duke Yingguo Mansion also came. Although Huangjue Temple had been closed to normal visitor, but Duke Yingguo Mansion and Yan Wang Mansion were in-law, and they had to at least give this much face. Lin Wei Xi didn't think much, just listened to it. When Grand Princess Ru Ning finally came back from listening the scriptures, the two of them sat down for a while and then walked out together. Lin Wei Xi sent someone to call Gao Ran back while she slowly accompanied Princess Ru Ning out. On the way out of the temple, coincidently Lin Wei Xi met the Duke Yingguo Mansion head-on.
"Greetings Yan Wangfei, Grand Princess Ru Ning." The Gao second lady greeted them from a long distance away, with a smile on her face. "We just said we are going to visit Yan Wangfei, but we met halfway on the way. Wangfei and Grand Princess are leaving now?"
Gao Ran quickly stepped forward to salute Lin Wei Xi: "Mother."
Lin Wei Xi glanced at Gao Ran, and nodded slightly to Duke Yingguo Mansion's people and smiled faintly: "I can't sit outside for too long, so I want to go back quickly. If the Guo Mansion is interested, you can walk slowly in the temple. It's just Shizi Consort, if you have something to say to your maiden family, telling it slowly later won't be too late, but now we have to go back."
Gao Ran lowered her head and apologize humbly: "It is this daughter-in-law who forget her manner, talking to her maiden sisters, and forgot the time. Please mother give punishment."
Lin Wei Xi glanced at her, too lazy to take care Gao Ran's little tricks. In front of everyone, could she really punish her? Lin Wei Xi said indifferently: "Let's not repeat it, get up."
Gao Ran complied, and submissively followed after Lin Wei Xi. Everyone from Duke Yingguo Mansion was embarrassed to see this scene. Gao Ran was the best married daughter in their family. Which sisters and aunts who weren't carefully flatter Gao Ran, but in front of Lin Wei Xi, Gao Ran didn't even dare to speak loudly.
Gao second lady muttered in her heart, strange, usually she never saw Gao Ran being sticky to her maiden family, but today she pulled them away to talk for a long time, but she didn't say anything important. They had long said they would come to pay respect to Yan Wangfei, but they were interrupted by Gao Ran, until Wangfei's people came to find her, only then Gao brought them out together.
Gao second lady mumbled to herself, then throw these thoughts to the back of her mind. Gao Ke was now regarded as half people of the mansion. The sisters and aunts come out to worship Buddha. As the younger generation man, of course he must accompany them. Now everyone was walking outside the temple together, Gao Ke found an opportunity and stepped forward to salute Lin Wei Xi: "Yan Wangfei."
Gao Ke in all aspects was very suitable to be an heir. Since the last time Lin Wei Xi gave him three months payment of private tutor, Gao Ke had been very meticulously befriending Lin Wei Xi. Lin Wei Xi also didn't care one way or the other. She glanced back, and the waves flow in her eyes were unspeakably beautiful: "Gao Juren1."
Gao Ke had already been promoted in the Autumn Examination two months ago, and because he hadn't reach adulthood yet, he became the youngest Juren in the capital.
"Wangfei's words this one doesn't deserve it. This junior reached today all because relying on Wangfei to give charcoal in the snow, Wangfei's grace this junior will not forget, how dare to be called like this by Wangfei."
"How can you not dare? Although I gave you three months of tutor tuitions, but to pass the provincial imperial examination, ultimately rely on your talent and learning. You are only sixteen years old but already a Juren, you can afford the name of a genius."
Gao Ke was still humble. Although he was respectful to Lin Wei Xi, his words and deeds reveal a sense of closeness, not the kind of cold and alienated respect. Such a good attitude was also a test of the person's ability.
Lin Wei Xi smiled gently in her heart, and walked outside the mountain gate surrounded by everyone. Outside there was a person standing with his back facing them, with the sun shone on him, pulling his body to a very clear and slender silhouette. Hearing the sound, he turned around, his eyes seemed to carelessly fell on Lin Wei Xi, but quickly moved away: "Mother."
"Shizi?" Gao second lady wondered, "Why are you here?"
1 Juren, successful candidate in the imperial provincial examination.↩
Chapter 92 Part 1: Accident
Seeing Gu Cheng Yao, Lin Wei Xi was also surprised. Gu Cheng Yao was gentle and polite, and nodded to everyone. But his eyes scanned everyone, just not looking at Lin Wei Xi.
Simply deliberate.
Gu Cheng Yao said: "My father get delayed with something and cannot come in time, so he ordered me to pick mother back to the house."
Hearing this reason everyone suddenly realized, Grand Princess Ru Ning smiled and said to Lin Wei Xi: "Look, what did I say, Yan Wang really doesn't feel reassured to let you out by yourself. Even if he himself cannot come, still let his son to pick you up."
Lin Wei Xi was accustomed to such jokes, all the womenfolk looked at her and laughed. Faced with such a scene, Gu Cheng Yao was uncomfortable for some reason.
Lin Wei Xi stood in the bright sunshine, and the wind blew from behind her, rolling up the yellow leaves on the ground. Because of her pregnancy, she had a soft expression. Now she was standing with a slight smile, as if covered with golden light.
Gu Cheng Yao realized that he was looking at Lin Wei Xi again, his palms curled up, and looked away calmly.
It was especially troublesome for the womenfolk to bid farewell. The carriages were on standby, and there were no other people around but everyone was still talking and laughing, not in a hurry at all. Of course, the young people were not interested in these women's topics. Gao Ke quietly withdrew from the circle of the womenfolk and went outside to lead his horse.
Gao Ke turned his back, so he didn't notice. Although Gao Ran wore a smile on her face, she cast a secret glance at him from the corner of her eyes.
Gao Ke familiarly pulled his horse, which specially given to him by Duke Yingguo after he moved to the mansion. Gao Ke loved this horse very much, but the time they get along was not long after all, and the horse hasn't familiar with Gao Ke yet, let alone having the master and servant' tacit understanding.
Gao Ke grasped the reins in a familiar manner, but today, for some reason, this horse was extremely irritable, and it got worse as he approached. Gao Ke was surprised in his heart, pulling the reins carefully and comb its mane, trying to understand what happened to his horse.
The horse became more and more restless, until Gao Ke had to pull the reins hard to stabilize it. Gao Ke secretly frowned, he vaguely felt that something was wrong, but before he could figure out what was wrong, the horse suddenly snorted. It seems that because of the inhalation of more air, the horse suddenly became mad.
Gao Ke was caught off guard, he threw the reins and quickly ran. Most good horses had fierce temper, and it's common to be disobedience. Gao Ke was planning to let the young manservant took the horse back, but his eyes suddenly condensed.
The horse, as if it had long eyes, ran directly in the direction of the womenfolk.
Gao Ke's face suddenly changed.
Lin Wei Xi was smiling and listening to the small talk, suddenly there was a cry of alarm in her ears, she quickly turned her head, and saw a horse rushing towards them. Wan Xing and Wan Yue was taken aback, and quickly helped Lin Wei Xi to escape, but everyone was panicked. Wan Xing and Wan Yue wanted to retreat, but the path behind was blocked, it was too late for them to hide, and the horse was about to rush into Lin Wei Xi.
Lin Wei Xi was pregnant, if she was startled by this, it would not be a trivial matter.
The womenfolk screamed one after another, Lin Wei Xi subconsciously closed her eyes, but her hands firmly protected her lower abdomen. Before she could react, suddenly there was a strong force on her arm, and her whole body was pulled by this force.
"It's dangerous, what are you doing with your eyes closed?"
Gu Cheng Yao unknowingly rushed over and pulled her. Lin Wei Xi's arm was so painful by the pulling, once she stood firm she threw Gu Cheng Yao's hand: "Let go, it hurts."
Only then did Gu Cheng Yao realize that in a hurry he didn't pay attention to his strength. He felt apologetic in his heart, but before he could adjust his strength, Lin Wei Xi had already throw his hand away.
The delicate and gentle feeling in his hand was instantly gone, Gu Cheng Yao soon felt the dry and cold wind blowing on the palm of his hand. Gu Cheng Yao felt inexplicable as if he had lost something, he and Lin Wei Xi were very close now, and he could almost smell her faint fragrance. Lin Wei Xi lowered her head and moved her wrists. Gu Cheng Yao was even suspicious, as long as Lin Wei Xi raised her head, her hair would even touch his chin.
The crazy horse was extremely fast, and the change happened in an instant. Before everyone saw what was going on, Gu Cheng Yao hurried to this side and pulled Lin Wei Xi away from under the horse' hoof.
The horse forced its way through the middle of the womenfolk. The womenfolk screamed unceasingly, many of them fell to the ground, and struggling to get up. Before they could stand, the crazy horse dig its hooves violently under the tree and ran back.
Many people hadn't stood up yet, the woman's screams almost broke through the eardrums, Lin Wei Xi also hurriedly backed away. But somehow, the people behind her seemed very confused, always blocked the path. Lin Wei Xi only took two steps and was blocked again. At this time she was still exposed on the outside, and when the crowd swayed, Gu Cheng Yao was also separated from Lin Wei Xi.
Gu Cheng Yao saw that Lin Wei Xi was still exposed on the outside, his pupils almost stretched to the maximum. At that moment, all his blood was cold, as if returning to that snowy night, when he saw Gao Xi lying in front of him, silent.
Gu Cheng Yao almost couldn't help calling out her name. As soon as the word "xi" was uttered, a feather arrow shot from behind, bringing a fierce wind along the way. The arrow shot into the horse's neck with a piercing sound, right in the middle artery.
The crazy horse hissed, pounced on the ground, stomped a few times and then stopped moving.
Chapter 92 Part 2: Accident
Gu Cheng Yao's heart was beating fast, and he was extremely glad that he hasn't really shout. He slowly turned his head and saw that not far away, Gu Hui Yan was sitting on a horse, the bowstring in his hand was still trembling.
The horse was shot to the ground, Wan Xing and Wan Yue finally could push away the crowd, with their face pale rushed towards Lin Wei Xi: "Wangfei, how are you?"
Lin Wei Xi put her hand on her lower abdomen, her eyebrows frowned, waved her hand did not speak. She moved fiercely a moment ago, and didn't know if it was an illusion, but now she felt a throbbing pain in her stomach.
"Wangfei." Wan Xing and Wan Yue were terrified, they surrounded Lin Wei Xi but couldn't say a second word. They wanted to reach out to support Lin Wei Xi but didn't dare, almost crying out.
Lin Wei Xi tried to raise her head, trying to smile at them, saying that she was all right. But before she could speak, her arm was buckled by a very strong force.
"What's going on?"
Lin Wei Xi originally was fine, but when she heard this voice, tears fell from her eyes: "Wangye, my stomach hurts."
Gu Hui Yan's face was tense, and people could feel his amazing anger three meters away. Gu Hui Yan held Lin Wei Xi's arm, his pair of eyes quickly scanned Lin Wei Xi's body, and hugged her without saying a word.
Gu Mingda and others have quickly caught up to deal with the aftermath. Gu Hui Yan's face was heavy, and said the second sentence after his appearance: "Call the imperial physician."
Imperial physician Zhao checked the pulse for a long time, with the shocking sight of the pressure behind him, he almost felt that he will never find the pulse. When he finally found it, he listened carefully for a while until he felt completely sure, then tremblingly let go his hand and slowly straightened up.
"Yan Wang, Wangfei was too frightened, and this caused her fetus to be a bit unstable. Fortunately, it did not hurt the foundation. This humble one prescribes Wangfei two pieces of medicine to strengthen the foundation and cultivate the constituent, take one each morning and evening, raise it for one month then the fetus will be stable."
In fact it didn't need a month, but imperial physician Zhao didn't dare to take the risk. If Yan Wangfei still felt uncomfortable when the time comes, he would have to take the consequences.
From Huangjue Temple to Yan Wang Mansion, Gu Hui Yan's face gradually returned to normal during the journey, but this calm anger was far more terrifying than if he show it. Everyone in the room didn't dare to breathe, Gao Ran and Gu Cheng Yao stood guard outside the room. The two stood one at the front one at the back, both lowered their eyes, unknown what they were thinking.
Lin Wei Xi struggled to sit up, but when she tried to move she was stopped: "Don't move, lie down."
Gu Hui Yan sat on the bed side and reached out to support Lin Wei Xi. Lin Wei Xi wanted to sit up but to no avail, so she could only lean in Gu Hui Yan's arms. Lin Wei Xi anxiously pulled Gu Hui Yan's sleeve: "Wangye, did Grand Princess Ru Ning and the others follow along?"
This was natural. Yan Wangfei almost had an accident, and felt a stomachache after being frightened by the horse. This matter was not trivial, anyone present did not dare to go home. Now they were all outside waiting for the news.
Gu Hui Yan did not speak. Lin Wei Xi already knew the answer. She leaned on Gu Hui Yan and unrelentingly tugged the hem of his clothes: "I'm fine, how can I keep people dry in the air. You go out for me and say it to Grand Princess Ru Ning, let her not take today's accident to her heart. When I get better, I will host a banquet and invite the princess."
Gu Hui Yan still didn't say anything. Lin Wei Xi said these words to him so that he would not take his anger on Duke Yingguo Mansion and Grand Princess Ru Ning. Lin Wei Xi looked at Gu Hui Yan anxiously, and saw that he didn't respond, she gritted her teeth and tried to get up: "If you don't go, then I will go and say it myself.
"Wangfei..." The people watched Lin Wei Xi's movements with horror and held their breaths. Gu Hui Yan held Lin Wei Xi, steadily supported her, and put her back on the bed: "Alright, stop making trouble. I promise you."
Lin Wei Xi was visibly relieved. The horse that ran into her today was Gao Ke's. She obviously knew that Gao Ke would never let the horse harm her. Clearly, some people thought about killing two birds with one stone. Could cause her to have a miscarriage was the best, but if not, also could let Gao Ke failed to get Shizi's position.
When Gu Hui Yan looked at Lin Wei Xi's relaxed expression he didn't comment anything, he only said 'I promise you', but did not say what he promised her. Although Lin Wei Xi was invited by Princess Ru Ning, it was his fault for not picking her up in time, and it was unreasonable to take his anger on Princess Ru Ning. But Duke Yingguo Mansion couldn't get away with just a few words.
"Wangye..."
"You can lie down with peace of mind." Gu Hui Yan tucked Lin Wei Xi's quilt. Although his movements were gentle, he invisibly trapped Lin Wei Xi in the quilt, "Rest assured. The outside matters have me."
Lin Wei Xi was indeed tired. She was trapped in the soft quilt, only exposing a pair of eyes: "Wangye, you remember that you promised me."
"I know."
Lin Wei Xi was finally relieved that she couldn't hold her consciousness anymore, and soon passed out. After Lin Wei Xi fell asleep, Gu Hui Yan's expression remained as usual, but his eyes became cold. He stood up, no joy or anger was visible on his face.
The closed door finally opened. Gu Cheng Yao's lips started to move, but in the end just bowed his head and called respectfully: "Father."
Gu Cheng Yao actually wanted to ask how Lin Wei Xi was. As the son, it was common to be concerned about his mother's health, but for some reason Gu Cheng Yao couldn't ask. Gu Hui Yan didn't want to talk in detail either. He kept walking, and left a sentence as he walked out: "Come out and talk."
Many people had been waiting in the main hall, some sitting some standing, all of them pale. Hearing the sound of footsteps, they all stood up: "Yan Wang."
Gu Hui Yan's expression faintly swept across everyone, and finally stayed on one person: "The horse that get out of control is yours?"
Gao Ke felt the invisible pressure squeezing him from all directions. He smiled bitterly in his heart, even if he had expected it a long time ago, no amount of preparation would help when he really faced the legendary Yan Wang. Gao Ke settled his mind, knowing that today's battle was extremely difficult. His future and life, and even the entire Duke Yingguo Mansion, depended on the word of the man in front of him.
Some people wanted to harm him, especially didn't want his adoption to go smoothly. This was very obvious.
Gao Ke composed himself, and said a sentence that he had thought countless times on the journey, and had already thought over deeply: "Answering Yan Wang, there is something strange about today's matters, I want to say something to you in private."
Chapter 93 Part 1: It's You
TN: Counting the last ten chapters of the main story.
As soon as Gao Ke's words came out, everyone in the courtyard was quiet.
Grand Princess Ru Ning had been sent away by Yan Wang. The people of Duke Yingguo Mansion felt bad when they were left behind. Now to hear Gao Ke's words, they couldn't breathe.
Gao second lady felt that today was simply unlucky, went to the temple to offer incense, but unexpectedly startled by the horse, she couldn't say how frighten she was. Yan Wangfei even almost hit by the horse. This kind of thing just listening to it made her trembling in fear. Unfortunately the horse that ran into Yan Wangfei was from Duke Yingguo Mansion. Come on, this simply a disaster, who could think properly.
Gao second lady hurriedly followed people to Yan Wang Mansion. The mansion was busy with Wangfei's matters, so no one entertained her, but Gao second lady didn't care. She just kept praying to Buddha in her heart, praying for Yan Wangfei to not have any mishap. If not, they Duke Yingguo Mansion would have to take the consequences.
Gao second lady subconsciously stood up when she saw Yan Wang. She stood aside and wanted to say a few words for herself, but she really didn't dare. Before she thought about what to do, she heard Gao Ke flatly say that he had something to say to Yan Wang in private.
This implied that this was not an accident.
Gao second lady gasped. Frightened already not enough to describe her current mood.
Gao Ran should stay in the house to serve her mother-in-law, but when she saw Gu Hui Yan coming out, her heart moved and secretly followed him out. Now Gao Ran stood outside by the flower shelf at the moon gate in the courtyard. The vines on the flower shelf have long since withered, and the withered branch were entangled with each other, so the person standing behind it was very inconspicuous.
Gao Ran of course didn't intend to end the game, said too much would lead to mistake, not saying anything was good. She came here just to watch the changes, there was no need to expose herself. But when she heard Gao Ke's words, Gao Ran's heart jumped fiercely and couldn't help but look at Gao Ke.
Since Gao Ran heard the adoption news, she looked down on this poor boy from the side branch very much. This was the first time that Gao Ran had seriously looked at Gao Ke. When Gao Ran really looked at him, she realized that Gao Ke seemed to be taller than she had imagined, and his temperament seems clearer.
Gao Ran silently clenched her palms. Gu Cheng Yao also followed, hearing these words, he almost blurted out: "What do you mean by this?"
After speaking, Gu Cheng Yao realized that it was improper. Gu Hui Yan was also here. How could he dare to snatch his father's words? Moreover, Lin Wei Xi was his father's proper wife, and he as the son was very rude to be the first one to ask.
Gu Cheng Yao immediately looked at Gu Hui Yan. Gu Hui Yan looked straight ahead, his face was calm and solemn, couldn't make out his expression, but he did not make any eye contact with Gu Cheng Yao. Gao Ke had expected this scene a long time ago. How could Yan Wang be so easy to deal with? He stepped forward and said respectfully again: "Wangfei accidently injured, and this junior know that this one's crime was inexcusable, wait for Yan Wang give the punishment. But before that, this junior want Yan Wang to be the judge."
Gao Ke swept his eyes around, still standing steadily without moving. Gao Ke's meaning was very obvious. Gu Hui Yan's eyes were deep, and he looked at him for a long time before he stood up and said, "You follow me."
Although Gao Ke looked calm, he let out a sigh of relief. The rest of the people watched as Gu Hui Yan took Gao Ke away. Until the two of people's back could not be seen anymore, the rest of them stared with big eyes, all were astonish and also hesitant.
Gao Ke went to the study alone, what did he want to say to Yan Wang?
Gao Ke came back unexpectedly fast, and Gao second lady rushed over to see him: "What did you say to Yan Wang?"
"Nothing, only some discoveries on the journey."
It turned out to vindicated himself, and Gao second lady's tightly stretched heart that still not loosen, at once became stretched again: "What did Yan Wang say?"
"Do one' best, and leave the rest to Heaven's will. I have done what I can do. Believe it or not is Yan Wang's business, I'm also powerless."
Gao second lady was really anxious that she jumped to her feet: "How could this happen? The horses that our mansion left for the young masters have always been docile, how can they suddenly be frightened? I think this matter has a mastermind, who has such a dark heart, even doing this killing with a thousand knives thing."
Gao Ke didn't say anything when he heard Gao second lady's suspicion, but he turned his head and silently looked at the withered vine and wooden frame hidden by the courtyard wall. Gao Ke looked indifferent and casually said a sentence, not knowing who he said it to: "Who knows? But with Yan Wang, any filth cannot be hidden."
Duke Yingguo old madam was also restless after receiving the news. The horses from their home ran into Yan Wangfei. She heard that Wangfei's stomach hurt. Good gracious, just thinking about it Duke Yingguo old madam could feel cold sweats on her forehead.
If there was something wrong with Yan Wangfei's pregnancy, based on the degree to which Yan Wang regards Lin Wei Xi and this child... Duke Yingguo old madam didn't even dare thinking about it. It had been an eventful period for Duke Yingguo Mansion, when it involved the court's party disputes there was still a chance to breathe, but if they offend Yan Wang, then they don't need to live.
So when Gao Ke and Gao second lady and others return to the mansion, the old madam called Gao Ke immediately: "Yan Wang called you alone, what did you say to him?"
Now there were no outsiders, in front Guo Mansion's family Gao Ke sighed, and finally able to express his suspicion: "Old madam, I suspect that someone has conspired against Guo Mansion."
To be precise, it was a plot against him. The person had no intention to drag the entire Gao family to the ground. But this was not important. Gao Ke changed the words a little bit and replaced the target with the entire Duke Yingguo Mansion.
Gao Ke has not formally adopted yet, and has not changed his address to grandmother yet, but Duke Yingguo old madam did not notice this at all. All her mind was on the shocking news that Gao Ke revealed: "Is someone really try to harm us?"
"Yes, and I suspect that the trick is on the incense sachet." Gao Ke said, "My incense sachet must have been filled with something by some people. The horse will go crazy when smelling this." And it was very likely that the other person also wearing a special incense, the crazy horse rushed in one direction under the guidance of that smell.
Gao Ke didn't say the last sentence. The reason was simple. The horse went straight to Yan Wangfei, and who would be able to follow Yan Wangfei all the time?
Gao Ke sneered in his heart. It was a tactic of killing two birds with one stone. In order to get rid of him, that person also took great pains and were willing to take such a big risk and personally worked as the bait.
Chapter 93 Part 2: It's You
Duke Yingguo old madam was taken aback for a moment, and her expressions gradually became cold: "That is to say, there is a rat in our house?"
Being able to access Gao Ke's belongings and found the opportunity to put the stuff in, obviously this was a person from Duke Yingguo Mansion, and looking at this, his status was not low. Duke Yingguo old madam suddenly felt a fire rushed to the top of her head, she didn't know what to think, and her face was very cold. She smashed her cane heavily, her eyes were frosty, her tone was fierce, and she immediately showed the style of Duke Yingguo' madam, who had been through ups and downs for fifty years: "Where is that sachet?"
"Already given to Yan Wang." Gao Ke paused then added, "But the geese will leave a mark, no matter how secretly it was done, they will leave traces. If old madam look for it from inside the mansion, should be able to find some clues."
Duke Yingguo old madam smiled coldly and said: "If I find this person, whatever their status or face, dare to use the entire Duke Yingguo Mansion as a raft, I will not spare them."
Gao Ke's eyebrows moved, the corners of his mouth twitched extremely lightly, bowed his head and kept silent.
A few days later, in the name of visiting Lin Wei Xi, Duke Yingguo old madam came to Yan Wang Mansion to plead for the junior herself. The old madam thought, women should be easier to talk to, also Lin Wei Xi was pregnant, and her heart should be softer. It was much easier to find Lin Wei Xi to plead than to find Yan Wang.
It was a pity that the old madam could not see Lin Wei Xi. Gu Hui Yan asked people to stop Duke Yingguo Mansion's people and said: "She has been raising her fetus these few days. She cannot be disturbed and will not see outsiders."
The stone in Duke Yingguo old madam's heart get heavier. She heard that the female officials that Empress Dowager Qian ordered to visit were also stopped by Yan Wang. Their family was no more than a dukedom, how could they expected to be the exception? Duke Yingguo old madam was deeply distressed. She put up a smile and asked in a good voice, "This old body was negligent to disturb Wangfei, wonder if Wangfei is getting better these past few days? This old body has brought some secret prescriptions for fetal care. This old body heard it from someone who has search for it all over the world for many years, and bring it to Wangfei to seek peace of mind."
An old family like this always had such a treasure. After all, Duke Yingguo old madam had lived for so many years, and the secret recipes accumulated over the years couldn't be underestimated. Gu Hui Yan did not refuse, his eyes lightly clicked on the cloth presented by the old madam, and the attendant on the side lowered his head to take the cloth. Gu Hui Yan took the cloth and unfolded it to look at it, and then slowly rolled it up, his voice was not hurried: "People come, call Shizi and Shizi Consort here."
Duke Yingguo old madam failed to understand. For some reason there was an ominous premonition in her heart: "Yan Wang, you this..."
"The old madam paid a special visit. This intention I receive it on behalf of Wangfei, but the old madam doesn't have to rush to see Wangfei. If you want to say something, it's enough to tell me." Gu Hui Yan even smiled slightly when he said this, "It's just, I also want to ask the old madam about something face to face."
Duke Yingguo old madam's heart jumped, she had a premonition that something seemed to be beyond her control, and once it gets started there's no stopping it.
Gu Cheng Yao and Gao Ran rushed over quickly. Gu Cheng Yao's eyes swept across the hall. His eyes flitted across Gao Ke, Duke Yingguo old madam and others, but it didn't stop there. His eyes immediately looked to Gu Hui Yan and saluted: "Father."
Gao Ran also followed to salute. The corner of her eyes swept to Yan Wang's people that closed the door to the house, the inside of the hall inevitably became dimmer. Gao Ran's heart jumped, and her limbs suddenly felt heavier than ever.
What does Yan Wang mean?
"A few days ago, Gao Ke handed me a sachet, suspecting that there is a problem with the spices in it. The past few days I asked people to ask at Longxi Racecourse, and indeed inside it was added a unique fodder."
Duke Yingguo old madam's heart thumped, her throat became dry, and she could hardly speak: "Dare to ask Yan Wang, what is the result?"
"This kind of fodder is unique to Langxi. It looks very similar to ordinary forage, so it's easy to mistakenly eaten by horses. Later people will give horses this kind of hay before the horse race in order to stimulate the mount, so that the horse will be more powerful in the short term. The sachet that Gao Ke gave me was stuffed with this kind of hay."
Gu Hui Yan's voice was faint, but the old madam was almost scared to death when she listened. Gao Ke was assassinated by someone, there was no doubt, but would Yan Wang believe it? What if Yan Wang thought that Gao Ke or Duke Yingguo Mansion deliberately added this to the sachet?
Duke Yingguo old madam was very agitate that she stood up directly to her cane: "Yan Wang, Gao Ke has just been admitted to Juren, at such a young age he has a good future. Yan Wangfei has the kindness of recognizing his worth and he has no reason to harm Wangfei. It must be someone who want to frame him, deliberately adding stuff to Gao Ke's sachet on the day Wangfei went out to worship the Buddha."
Gao Ke glanced backwards, and said coldly, "If the horse is only agitated, it may not run in the direction of the womenfolk. Yan Wangfei was frightened, in fact, because someone used another spice, and the horse followed this scent to go over, then will injure the people at Yan Wangfei's side."
The old madam turned her head in surprise: "Gao Ke, what are you talking about?"
Obviously the old madam also connected the dot. Who could stand upright behind Lin Wei Xi and always lead the direction of the scent, besides daughter-in-law Gao Ran, who was the better candidate?
However, Gao Ke never said these words in their house. The old madam felt cold in her heart. She only thought that someone wanted to harm Gao Ke, and Gao Ke handed over all the evidence to Yan Wang for investigation. Only then she felt relieve to let Yan Wang collect the evidence, and brought the juniors personally to visit. But she didn't know about this leading scent thing. If the old madam knew, how could she let Yan Wang continue to investigate?
Gao Ke nodded to the old madam. Although he lowered his eyes, his voice did not have much apology: "These things presumably Yan Wang already found out. This junior admire Yan Wang and trust Yan Wang's decision, so no matter what Yan Wang does, this juniors will bear the order."
Gao Ke didn't say these words in their mansion, of course to guard against Duke Yingguo old madam. When the family and heir have different perspectives, Duke Yingguo's husband and wife would want to preserve the whole family, especially if it the third miss Gao Ran who married into Yan Wang Mansion, and might gave birth to Yan Wang Mansion' di grandson. If they learn about this, it was hard to guarantee that they will not try to hide it for the sake of Gao Ran. But what Gao Ke must do was to never suffer.
Duke Yingguo old madam did not expect Gao Ke to give her such a hand. Over here the Duke Yingguo Mansion's people was not peaceful, and on the other side of the hall, Gu Cheng Yao turned his head extremely slowly, looking at Gao Ran in disbelief: "It's you?"
TN: I love the title, It's you?! It's so dramatic.
Chapter 94 Part 1: Sentencing
Gao Ran's face was completely pale.
She didn't expect Gao Ke to guess that there was a problem with the scent, and she didn't expect that Yan Wang knew about this fodder. This was what she found out when she especially crammed the horse racing knowledge in order to integrate into the circle in her previous life. Before the start of the horse racing, the racer deliberately fed them some special fodder in order to stimulate the horses, and by coincidence, she knew that horses in a manic state were particularly sensitive to certain scent. Gao Ran combined the two to design this accident. She asked Han shi to secretly mix the fodder into Gao Ke's sachet, and then she herself wore the guiding spice and led the horse towards her. As a daughter-in-law, of course she had to be with her mother-in-law at all times. Lin Wei Xi was right in front of her.
When Gao Ran learned that Lin Wei Xi want to go out, she sent a message to her family and asked Duke Yingguo Mansion to go worship Buddha together. And when she was at Huangjue Temple, Gao Ran deliberately ran to talk to the Gao family. She did this to control the two groups of people to leave at the same time, so that they could meet at the entrance of the Buddhist temple. In this way, Gao Ke's horse would "accidently" run to Lin Wei Xi.
It would be great if Lin Wei Xi could have a miscarriage because of this. Gao Ran deliberately blocked Lin Wei Xi's way that day, but she didn't expect Gu Cheng Yao to rescue Lin Wei Xi, and she didn't expect that Yan Wang would suddenly appear and shot the crazy horse to death in front of everybody. Gao Ran felt it was a pity, but for the time being she left Lin Wei Xi alone, it was more important to solve her brother's crisis first.
With this matter Gao Ke would inevitably angered Yan Wang. It wouldn't be easy to save his life, let alone his future? For the sake of safety, Duke Yingguo Mansion would not dare to let Gao Ke become the Shizi.
Gao Ran felt that her strategy was seamless. Afterwards, she burned the sachet on her body, and then let people secretly replaced Gao Ke's sachet, everything should left no trace. However, Gao Ran didn't expect Gao Ke would guess right away that there was a problem with the sachet. He handed the sachet to Yan Wang in private, Gao Ran who waited outside knew nothing. Gao Ran didn't even think that Yan Wang also knew that there was a unique fodder that could make horses go crazy, and horses that go crazy may be sensitive to certain scent.
Gu Cheng Yao stared at Gao Ran with a good look. Although she didn't say anything, Gu Cheng Yao understood Gao Ran's face. For a while Gu Cheng Yao couldn't understand the feeling in his heart, maybe he was too shocked, he could only feel a slight confusion.
Gu Cheng Yao still couldn't believe that his wife, his second wife that he had to marry regardless his reputation, would do such a thing. Just because she was afraid that the stepmother would give birth to a son, she would use all means to cause her mother-in-law to have a miscarriage.
She didn't even know the sex of the fetus in Lin Wei Xi's belly, just an illusory hint, how could Gao Ran did such a thing?
Gu Cheng Yao's eyes were fixed on Gao Ran, his eyes darkened, seemed unbelievable, but also hiddenly angry: "Why do you do this kind of thing? I clearly warned you before."
"I..." Gao Ran's lips moved, her heart was too confuse, her survival instinct told her to argue, but her brain was in such a mess that she couldn't get her head around it!
She could not be charged with this crime, whether it was to harm Lin Wei Xi or designing Gao Ke, once the name was confirmed, she would offend both Yan Wang Mansion and Duke Yingguo Mansion. Convicted by her maiden's family and her husband's family, how could a woman survive?
"I don't, I don't know anything, what spices and fodder? I don't know what you are talking about." Gao Ran said incoherently, she also aware that such a defense had no strength. Her brains turned so fast, what she need to say, what she need say to wash her crime?
Gao Ran's eyes gradually filled with mist, and sobbingly looked at Gu Cheng Yao: "Shizi, it's not me, you have to believe me."
Gao Ran could also be regarded as a noble beauty in the capital. Usually she moved gently and softly, and now she looked at people with the mist in her eyes, became more and more pitiful and weak. But the person she was looking at was not moved. Gu Cheng Yao's face was cold. He stared at Gao Ran for a long time, suddenly stepped back, pressed his lips and turned his face away, and refused to look at Gao Ran again.
Gao Ran felt cold, suddenly lost the strength in her legs, and fell to the ground.
Duke Yingguo old madam had already stood up in shock, her eyes widened, she looked at Gu Cheng Yao in amazement, then turned woodenly to Gao Ran, who was sitting on the ground, and had long lost the ability to react.
"Third girl, you..." Duke Yingguo old madam's mouth was half-opened, her lips moved for a long time before she said a complete sentence, "Is this really what you did?"
Gao Ke stood by the side, and answered indifferently: "The old madam can disbelieve others, but can still not believe in Yan Wang? The magnificent Yan Wang, is it possible to accuse wrongly an inner house woman?"
Gu Hui Yan sat at the center of red sandalwood chairs in the hall, high above, without saying a word, watching the scene coldly. Perhaps he heard Gao Ke's words, Gu Hui Yan tapped his fingers of the wooden handle, and the attendant who stood by the side understood, and in a flash brought two sachets.
Duke Yingguo old madam recognized that one of them was Gao Ke's, and the other was a soft silk brocade with a strangely proportioned but inexplicably cute cat embroidery with multicolored threads. The corners of the sachet had been scorched, and the other half of the cat's face couldn't be seen clearly, and could only guess its original appearance from the remaining parts.
Of course, the old madam knew such a unique embroidery style. Gao Ran had always has some whimsical ideas since she was six years old. These pattern that had big head and small body, which she called cartoon, were very popular with children in the family. Gao Ran also sent many similar embroidery to the old madam, some of which were still displayed in her main hall.
Duke Yingguo old madam could no longer deceive herself. She looked at Gao Ran and pointed her cane at her in disbelief: "It's really you! Are you crazy? For your own self-interest, you don't hesitate to frame Guo Mansion's chosen successor. How many times have I told you before, no matter if it di or shu, as long as it is our own child, Guo Mansion will not slight them. As long as he is adopted, Gao Ke is your brother from the same clan, even if Gao Chen is not the Shizi, but he is also my grandson, the young master of our Duke Yingguo Mansion! Why are you so obsessed!"
As Duke Yingguo old madam said this her blood was rushing forth. She always felt that this granddaughter was soft on the outside and ruthless on the inside, both had its own benefits, the kind of material that could overcome major event. But the old madam didn't expect that when Gao Ran calculated for her own interests, she could even start with her maiden relatives. That's the Guo Mansion where she was born and raised! The Guo Mansion where she grew up with the most exquisite meals and the most gorgeous jewelry, and raised her all the way with pile of gold and jade. Without Guo Mansion, did Gao Ran really think that she could marry into Yan Wang Mansion? But in the end, how did Gao Ran repay her family?
It was true that the one she calculated was Gao Ke, but Gao Ke was the heir that Duke Yingguo Mansion had carefully selected and placed unlimited expectations to. If it like this where did she put Duke Yingguo Mansion? Moreover, Gao Ke's horse ran into Yan Wangfei, if Wangfei had a miscarriage, how could Duke Yingguo Mansion left unscathed!
Chapter 94 Part 2: Sentencing
Just to make her own younger brother the Shizi, Gao Ran actually made such a move of ignoring the overall situation and disregarding the family, Duke Yingguo old madam couldn't tell how disappointed and angry she was. The old madam's chest moved up and down, and at this time, Gao Ran was still crying, still pitifully saying that it was not her.
Over the years, didn't know how many times the old madam had seen Gao Ran like this. Often this was because Gao Ran was wronged and refused to say it, so she sobbed so softly but she couldn't hide it. In the past, Duke Yingguo old madam felt her heart break when she saw her crying like this. As a result the old madam did not know how many times she had stood up for her. But now, in front of so many people, Gao Ran could still make this kind of attitude like she suffered the biggest grievance!
How could this not make Duke Yingguo old madam angry. She could no longer restrain herself, and even didn't even care that she was in Yan Wang Mansion. The deity Yan Wang was still sitting at the top. The old madam raised her heavy cane and resolutely slammed it on Gao Ran's back three times.
"You're such ingrate! I always feel that although you are a shu daughter, but the character are righteous, didn't expect you to be as lowly as that your slut birth mother, only learn some tricks to seduce people. Where is Duke Yingguo Mansion ever let you down? You actually want to plot your grandmother and brother like this?"
Gao Ke had been standing on the side indifferently, until the old madam hit Gao Ran three times on the back. He glanced at Yan Wang at the top, and then stepped forward to hold Duke Yingguo old madam: "Grandma, please quell your anger, don't let anger break your body. Yan Wang is still here."
The first sentence was persuasion, the latter was a warning. The old madam also knew that it was very bad for her to do this, she simply lost the dignity of century-old distinguish family Guo Mansion. She retracted her cane, gasping for air, and leaned almost her whole body weight on the cane: "Sinful, truly sinful! I've been totally devoted all these years, I really pity you so always good to you, even more so than towards Sister Xi. At that time you secretly went to talk to Shizi while Sister Xi went back to her maiden house. Did I say anything to you? Later, Shizi proposed to marry you regardless Sister Xi's mourning period. Did I complain on Sister Xi's place? Hate myself for having blurry eyes, considerate for many years, unexpectedly raised a poisonous snake."
Duke Yingguo old madam's tears was unstoppable, leaning on the ebony cane, looking up and shouted mournfully: "Sister Xi, it's grandmother that let you down..."
Hearing this name, the few people left in the room were silent.
Gu Cheng Yao's face was pale, he was angry at Gao Ran's method, even if his father didn't punish, he would not keep Gao Ran as his wife. But abruptly hearing this long-lost name, Sister Xi, he suddenly fell silent, his eyes were uncontrollably sorrowful.
Gu Hui Yan was very calm after he asked people to come in. He lead the conversation, but always disassociating himself from the outside, not participating in their quarrels. Until he heard the old madam cry out for Sister Xi, Gu Hui Yan tapped his finger on the armchair, and suddenly couldn't calm down: "Don't call this name."
The old madam was taken aback hearing Gu Hui Yan's words, and she stared blankly without responding for a while: "What?"
"Call her Gao Xi. Don't call this name in the future."
Duke Yingguo old madam was simply baffled. Sister Xi was Gao Xi's pet name. The Gao family had called it this way for so many years. Yan Wang could control heaven and earth, even could change other people's pet name?
But then the old madam remembered with hindsight, Yan Wangfei's name was Lin Wei Xi, she was also called "Sister Xi".
The old madam felt an unspeakable embarrassment, and besides that, there was also a strange feeling that lingered.
Gu Cheng Yao also quickly figured it out. With Duke Yingguo old madam called "Sister Xi", it's as if talking about some taboo topic, the main hall inevitably fell silent. In the middle hall with the plaque hanging high and the pillar deep red, only Gao Ran's soft sobbing could be heard.
Gu Hui Yan just sat for a moment, and quickly stood up, breaking the silence of the room, and drawing an end to all this: "Shizi Consort is a daughter-in-law but intend to murder the mother. I don't need such a woman in Yan Wang Mansion. But marriage is to bind two surnames together. Since Guo Mansion's madam is here, then I will ask this. The third miss of Guo Mansion, does the Guo Mansion' madam want to take her back for resettlement or let her remain in Yan Wang Mansion?"
Duke Yingguo old madam fell silent like she couldn't speak. She had seen so many shameful secret' events, and of course she understood what it means. Bringing back to Duke Yingguo Mansion referred to divorce. Remaining in Yan Wang Mansion was probably ancient Buddha with Blue Lantern, or even "died of illness".
Although no one in the room had spoken yet, the silence was like a tiger with its sharp teeth and claws, gradually grabbed everyone's mind. Gao Ran knelt on the ground and crying out of her mind, but at this moment, she couldn't help but held her breath.
Although divorcing a wife was shameful, but the woman could still survive the rest of her life, but if she remained in her husband's house? Keeping a life was the best plan, but it was so, just the remaining years could only accompanied by loneliness and suffering, this was not necessarily better than death.
Duke Yingguo old madam was silent for a moment, and slowly said: "Getting married means follow the husband, the third girl now takes the surname Gu, and the Gao family has no right for resettlement."
When the old madam's words came out, half of the people were startled, but Gu Hui Yan just nodded calmly and said one word: "Alright."
Gao Ran suddenly exploded with great strength, rushed to Duke Yingguo old madam's feet, and dragged the corners of the old madam's skirt: "Grandmother! Grandmother, you can't leave me alone. Don't you love me the most? You love Ran'er first right..."
But Duke Yingguo old madam only took two steps back like avoiding a plague, stay out of Gao Ran's touch, and the maids and servants she had brought rushed forward, blocking Gao Ran from the old madam.
"This is the matter of Yan Wang Mansion. This old body can't control it. It's up to Yan Wang and Shizi to decide."
Gao Ran's heart couldn't help sinking, and her whole body was like falling into a cold cave. When Gao Xi died, Gu Cheng Yao was going to remarry in less than three months. Duke Yingguo Mansion agreed without saying a word. At that time, Gao Ran was secretly delighted and laughed that Gao Xi was unpopular, even her maiden's family not willing to support her.
But now Gao Ran realize that actually the heartless and ruthless attitude, they treat everyone equally. That day Duke Yingguo Mansion was able to abandon Gao Xi for benefits, and today they treated Gao Ran with the same attitude.
Gao Ran couldn't kneel anymore, the whole person laid down on the ground like losing strength. There were footsteps coming and going in her ears, and afterwards there were fewer and fewer, clearly everyone has gone out, the only remains was her.
"Shizi Consort has lost her virtue. From now on, move to the Buddhist hall and copy the scriptures to pray for Wangfei.
TN: Where's LWX with her popcorn?!
Chapter 95 Part 1: Thunder
The conversation that day did not leak out, but Gu Hui Yan personally ordered Gao Ran to move to the Buddhist hall to pray for Lin Wei Xi.
This kind of inner residence's matters, which one was not wearing a high-sounding name. Gao Ran was said to be praying, but everyone knew that this praying would be endless. Gao Ran had no children and would never come out in the latter half of her life.
It's called to reflect on one's errors, but actually imprisonment.
Duke Yingguo old madam fell ill when she returned home that day. This disease came fiercely, in Duke Yingguo Mansion the decoctions were continuously be made. The whole mansion seemed to be soaked in the bitterness of the medicine, impossible to get rid of.
Han shi had tried to let people make inquiries. When she finally found out that Gao Ran had fallen, her face became pale immediately, the cup in her hand fell to the ground with a crash and broke into two.
Gao Ran was obviously the Shizi Consort, how could she be imprisoned in the Buddhist hall? That kind of place was damp and cold, throughout the year unlikely to meet outsiders, and one could imagine the food would also not be too good. Gao Ran had been noble and dignified all her life, how could she stand this kind of punishment?
Han shi seemed to have lost her soul, burst into tears while rushing into the old madam's recuperation courtyard, even didn't care about her disheveled hair: "Old ancestor, you have to save the third miss! She is a young lady from Guo Mansion, with honorable identity, how can she spend the rest of her life in the Buddhist hall?"
Right now Duke Yingguo old madam shouldn't be disturbed. The personal maid beside the old madam was annoyed when she heard someone shouting loudly. She threw the curtain with unkind expression, her eyes were sharp like knives: "The old ancestor is recuperating inside. Which mouth with tongue not pull out cleanly dares to make a big fuss here?"
Han shi rushed through the gate, but was dragged out by someone before reaching the door frame. Han shi waved her withered hands around, with her scattered hair, and she looked like a madwoman: "I want to see the old ancestor, you let me go to see the old ancestor. She can't leave the third miss alone. If she do this, is she not afraid of retribution in the future?"
The head maid originally just hated Han shi's noisiness. Now that she heard those words, she immediately straightened her eyebrows and stared like a King Kong: "Are you insane? What kind of identity are you, how dare you curse the old ancestors. What are you all still doing? Lack hands or feet huh! Still not pull her away!"
Han shi still screamed and made noises. The head maid heard a dull, weak sentence from inside: "Let her come in."
"Old ancestor..."
"Let her in, I have something to ask her."
Han shi finally stopped, she roughly wiped her face with the back of her hand, smooth out her hair quickly, and walked into the inner room with quite steps.
There were three charcoal basins in the room, coupled with medicine smells that was not dissipate all day long, when the curtain was opened, a wave of heat assaulted the face, that smell definitely was not a good smell. Han shi resisted the urge to cough, and submissively knelt down to Duke Yingguo old madam: "Old ancestor."
She took the beauty hammer from the maid's hand as usual, but was stopped by the old madam. Duke Yingguo old madam wore a forehead guard on her head and her face was sallow. The whole ill person was leaning on the Babu bed crookedly. It could only described as unsightly. Illness would not discriminated anyone. Now Duke Yingguo old madam was like this, nowhere near the picture of noble madam.
Han shi only took one glance and didn't dare to look again. For some reason, she always felt that the old madam's eyes were strange and made people flustered.
"Han shi, let me ask you, where did my son go after he came out from your place the day he met the accident?"
Han shi was alarmed, and quietly looked up: "It's been a long time, why do you think of this?"
"I'm asking you!"
Duke Yingguo old madam suddenly yelled, and Han shi was frightened by such a dry and angry voice. She bowed her head tightly, her voice as thin as a mosquito: "This concubine doesn't know. When Shizi went out he was well, this concubine also doesn't know where he went."
The old madam leaned against the bed, staring at Han shi with her muddy eyes. After a while, she somehow laughed and said loudly, "Good, good, good!"
The old madam even said 'good' three times, no one expected that she would suddenly get excited. She stretched her hands from the Babu bed and grab Han shi's hair, slammed her on the bed fiercely: "You don't know, you still say you don't know? My son went to see you that day, obviously because of Yun yiniang! You used yin yang pot to poison Yun yiniang, and now you still want to deceive me. My son was killed by you!"
The head maid came in from outside and was shocked to see this scene. She threw away the medicine bowl with a bang, and hurriedly threw herself on Duke Yingguo old madam: "Old ancestor!"
With great difficulty people lifted up Duke Yingguo old madam, but even though she was held by the maids and grannies, she still stared at Han shi firmly, her eyes looks like she want to devour her bones and drink her blood: "You clearly know my son had an accident, but didn't say anything, letting him died slowly! How could you, how could you! I want to kill you, I want to sell you to a filthy brothel, and slowly slice you to death!"
"Old ancestor!"
The young voices of the maids in the room went up and down, finally there was a long scream, and the sound of footsteps became more flustered. The maids pushed each other to run out, even bumped into each other: "The old ancestor fell ill, go and call the doctor!"
Duke Yingguo old madam laid on her back in the thick, damp bedding, felt the maids stuffing ginseng slices into her mouth. She thought that it was not easy to give birth to her son, so she had spoiled him for many years, and always gave whatever he wanted. Later, Wei shi had a strong temper and refused to act humble. She also always suppressed Wei shi and protected her son.
But the son she treasured for a lifetime, in such a desperate and painful way, alone at desolate mountain stream, he lost blood and died.
Duke Yingguo old madam suddenly looked back to a certain time, to a sunny day when young girls that were still green leisurely walked towards her. The leading girl lowered her head and walked through the curtain, her features were bright and beautiful, but her expression was cold. She squatted halfway, her voice neither too fast nor too slow: "Grandmother, Sister Xi pay respect to you."
Chapter 95 Part 2: Thunder
It took several days for Lin Wei Xi to finally hear the news about Gao Ran.
"Shizi Consort went to the Buddhist hall?"
The maid buried her head deeply, her voice was soft: "Yes."
Lin Wei Xi was stunned, after a long time could only ask incredulously, "When this happened?"
"A few days ago. Duke Yingguo old madam brought the juniors to visit you, but was stopped by Wangye. After that day, Shizi Consort went to the Buddhist hall."
Lin Wei Xi only knew that Duke Yingguo old madam had come, so it seemed the old madam and Gu Hui Yan had said something that caused this. Lin Wei Xi quickly thought about the matter of startled horse a few days ago.
Sure enough, Gao Ran had been found out.
Lin Wei Xi couldn't pity Gao Ran, she only felt slightly unhappy. She didn't even know such a big thing happened. Moreover, if it hadn't been for Gu Hui Yan's instructions, afraid even today this matter would not have been revealed to her.
"Did Wangye say when Shizi Consort will come out?"
"No."
Lin Wei Xi lightly smiled, she felt unspeakable emotion. When she was ill in her previous life, the little maids in front of the bed also complained about Duke Yingguo old madam's callous heart. The girl who had been raised for seventeen years actually said was not her concerns. For the sake of Yan Wang Mansion' power, the old madam's attitude was cruel and made people look down upon. At that time Lin Wei Xi only felt that it doesn't matter, she had long understood what kind of person her grandmother was. Moreover, when she was still not married, she was not the old madam's favorite.
Lin Wei Xi thought to herself, Goa Ran who always had the most face, always got the old madam's favor, when she fell into the same situation, she also couldn't escape. Shouldn't depend on fickle man, and the elders who were cruel to their other children would probably do the same to you. It's a pity, Gao Ran understands this truth too late.
After Lin Wei Xi heard this, she didn't bother to care about it anymore. She put more thoughts on Gu Hui Yan.
"Where is Wangye?"
The maid obviously hesitated, and said: "Wangye has court's matters today, and still not free yet."
But such words were useless to Lin Wei Xi. She lifted her eyelids lightly, and said indifferently, "Wangye actually so busy. If he is not free, then don't come."
The maid smiled, dare not say a word. After a while, Gu Hui Yan returned.
On the outside there were unceasing greetings. Lin Wei Xi's ears moved, but she still sat steadily. When Gu Hui Yan walked in, he saw Lin Wei Xi sitting in front of the window, looking intently at the things in her hands. Gu Hui Yan glanced down. It was a finely cut red fabric, which should be used to make small clothes for children.
Gu Hui Yan's heart suddenly softened, as if those ambiguous guesses and those lingering dark clouds were not important anymore. Gu Hui Yan looked at Lin Wei Xi for a long time, walked over slowly, and took the fabric in her hand.
He flipped it around and couldn't help being surprised: "So small? Is it enough to wear?"
"It's enough, how big does Wangye think the newborn child is?" Lin Wei Xi glanced at him, took Gu Hui Yan's hand, and gestured to the palm of his hand, "He probably as big as Wangye's palm."
"Really?"
Lin Wei Xi, who was questioned, was very unhappy. She glanced up and refused to answer. Gu Hui Yan also felt a little embarrassed. He coughed and said, "I haven't seen a newborn baby. I was in Dingxiang when Gu Cheng Yao was born. When I came back, he can already crawl."
Speaking of Gu Cheng Yao, the atmosphere between the two of them could not help but stagnate. Lin Wei Xi continued to take care the fabric in her hands, appeared to casually ask: "Shizi Consort is in the Buddhist hall, Shizi didn't say anything?"
Gu Hui Yan's smile slowly cooled a little. He looked at Lin Wei Xi, smiled, and slowly asked, "What do you think he will do?"
It's hard to say, Lin Wei Xi smiled, and pretended to cheerfully skip the topic: "Shizi's matter, how do I know? These few days Wangye always leaves early and returns late. I can hardly see your face. What happened outside, to actually bother people like this?
"It's just court's matters." Gu Hui Yan just mentioned lightly without saying much. Lin Wei Xi couldn't help but have a little doubt, she also vaguely heard that the Emperor and First Assistant Zhang were not at peace these days. But as long as Gu Hui Yan want it, how even people's shadow couldn't be seen all day. Lin Wei Xi couldn't help but wonder whether Gu Hui Yan had deliberately avoided her.
Lin Wei Xi was accustomed to being followed, let her took the initiative to ask 'Why didn't you come to see me, do you have someone else?' she absolutely couldn't say it. She could only say in the form of tantrums, half acting coquettishly and half yieldingly: "Wangye is busy with court's affairs, but you should also pay attention to your body. If you don't come again, when this baby is born, probably won't be able recognize you."
Gu Hui Yan smiled and stroked Lin Wei Xi's hair, but uncharacteristically did not say anything. If it was usual, he would definitely say something to make Lin Wei Xi feel at ease.
Now even if Lin Wei Xi didn't want to open her eyes, she had to admit that there seemed to be a problem between Gu Hui Yan and her. She always felt that Gu Hui Yan took the initiative to avoid her.
Why this happened? After Gu Hui Yan left, Lin Wei Xi sat on the soft chair and stared at the cloisonne vase on the small table for a long time, before slowly thinking that Gu Hui Yan's abnormal behavior seemed to have started after the startled horse's accident that day.
When Gu Hui Yan returned to the study, he did not rush to take a seat to deal with government affairs. Instead, he walked to the window and under the cold wind of early winter looked at the locust tree outside the study for a long time.
Under the cold wind, Gu Hui Yan hasn't moved for a long time. In the past his thought rarely got confused. He liked such state very much, so some matters it was not necessary to explore too deeply. Perhaps he also faintly sensed that once some things were found out, there was no way to continue.
But now, the truth, this seemingly insignificant thorn, had gradually become indispensable, making him unable to even pretend that it was invisible.
The wind passed by, blowing the dead branches rustling, and fine snow particles gradually fell from the sky.
Snowing. It's another year when it snows.
Gu Hui Yan's voice was hidden by the sound of the wind, almost going with the wind, but the strength in it was so clear: "Gu Mingda, you personally investigate one thing."