191 Unwilling
For the first time, Gu Yanfei began to consider marriage. She tilted her face and muttered, "It's not enough."
It wasn't enough to be a good person.
"Meow?" Qing Guang heard the sound and jumped onto the window sill like a gust of wind. It squatted there and looked up at Gu Yanfei with wide, green eyes.
Gu Yanfei raised her hand and touched the cat.
In the Bright Spirit Realm, Tao companions were two like-minded cultivators who cultivated together, lived, and died together.
This was a matter of life and death. It had to be reported to the world, and a contract had to be formed. Once the two sides formed a contract, they would be each other's only, and would have to be loyal to each other. Otherwise, they would suffer divine punishment and be struck to death.
With a Tao companion, there could be no more concubines or husbands. That would not do.
"… It's not a contractual spiritual beast," Gu Yanfei muttered inaudibly. She reached out her index finger and gently scratched the cat's chin a few times.
Cultivators in the Bright Spirit Realm could only have one Tao companion who had formed a contract, but they could have several contractual spiritual beasts.
"Meow?" Qing Guang did not hear what Gu Yanfei said clearly, but it vaguely heard the word "spiritual beast". It blinked its beautiful cat eyes.
A wild instinct told the cat that it seemed to have been taunted.
Gu Yunzhen did not notice what Gu Yanfei said. She looked at the silver world outside the window and sighed. "Ancestor is right about some things. The best feeling in life is mutual love."
Gu Yanfei looked at Gu Yunzhen deeply. From her tensed fingertips to the smile on her lips to her slightly lowered eyes, her gaze was fixed.
Gu Yunzhen's eyes were not as calm as her expression. There seemed to be an unknown flame hidden in the depths of her deep eyes.
After she finished speaking, the room was silent until Gu Yunzhen's maidservant, Fei Cui, broke the silence. "My Lady, it's about time."
Madam Gu said that they would set off for the Murong family at the beginning of the day.
Gu Yunzhen seemed to have woken up from a dream. She let go of Gu Yanfei's hand and smiled. "Second Sister, rest well. I'll leave first and visit you later."
Gu Yunzhen hurried away with Fei Cui.
Gu Yanfei quietly looked at the brocade curtain embroidered with the picture of a cat playing with a peony and did not speak for a while.
Juan Bi's hand that was pouring tea paused along with the sound of the tea falling. She asked hesitantly, "My Lady, is the eldest son-in-law really inappropriate?"
Gu Yanfei shook her head and said affirmatively, "From what we've seen so far, he's not appropriate."
"Then, My Lady…" Juan Bi hesitated and rubbed the teapot before continuing to pour tea.
Gu Yanfei picked up the cup of tea and looked at the tea leaves floating in it. She pursed her lips.
Everyone's life was a single bridge that belonged to them. They had to move forward on their own and not be pushed by others.
She couldn't make the decision on her behalf. It would implicate cause and effect.
It was not good for her or anyone else.
Gu Yanfei put down the teacup and suddenly stood up. She instructed Juan Bi, "Help me change."
Juan Bi was stunned for a moment. She quickly changed Gu Yanfei's clothes and combed her hair into a double bun.
When Gu Yanfei arrived at the entrance, the timing was just right. Madam Gu and Gu Yunzhen were preparing to get into the carriage.
"Second Sister." Gu Yunzhen was the first to see Gu Yanfei and exclaimed in surprise.
Everyone else looked in Gu Yanfei's direction.
Even Madam Gu, who was about to get into the carriage with Bai Lu's hand, stopped and turned around.
Gu Yanfei was also wearing an aqua green dress, which was very similar to the color of Gu Yunzhen's dress. When she walked to Gu Yunzhen's side and the two of them stood together, one was gentle and beautiful, elegant and dignified, and the other was beautiful, free, and easy. Their auras were very different.
Gu Yanfei smiled at Gu Yunzhen first, then said to Madam Gu as if nothing had happened, "Madam, I'll follow you."
"Perhaps I can cure the Old Madam of the Murong family. This way, when Eldest Sister marries over, the other party will think highly of her. It'll be good for the Marquis Household too."
As she spoke, a half-smile played on her lips.
Gu Yanfei had always had such a casual attitude that no one could tell if she was telling the truth, and Madam Gu could not be bothered to think about it. She narrowed her eyes and looked back and forth between Gu Yanfei and Gu Yunzhen.
Gu Yanfei was right.
If she could really cure the Old Madam, the Murong family would not have to mourn, and the eldest son-in-law's future would not be affected. It was obvious that the Murong family would definitely thank the Dingyuan Marquis Household.
Anyway, in name, she was going to visit a patient. There was no harm in bringing along another granddaughter.
Madam Gu stroked the bright blue fur on her sleeve and revealed a graceful smile. She said calmly, "If you want to go, let's go together."
Without waiting for Gu Yanfei to speak, Madam Gu held Bai Lu's hand and got into the black carriage at the front. Gu Yanfei followed Gu Yunzhen into the carriage at the back.
Meeting Gu Yunzhen's quiet and complicated gaze, Gu Yanfei smiled and whispered, "I'm very good at judging people."
After being reborn, Gu Yanfei was lucky to have a second chance. She really did not want her sister to sacrifice herself.
Her eldest sister was so good that she deserved the best man!
Gu Yunzhen watched as she casually leaned against the wall of the carriage, her eyes as bright as stars in the dim carriage. Gu Yunzhen's heart softened, as if she was bathing in warm sunlight and hot springs.
The carriage arrived at the Murong family residence after the time it took for an incense stick to burn.
The Murong family's mansion in the capital was located in Anping Alley in the north of the city.
The residence had been bought by Murong Yong's father 20 years ago. It was a three-in-one residence. The walls of the alley were mottled with time. The canopy of thick pagoda trees, as thick as umbrellas, covered the top. Half-yellow leaves were clipped to the crown.
From the moment the carriage drove into the alley where the Murong family was, Gu Yanfei felt her vision darken.
The long and narrow alley was like a narrow wooden bridge. The towering walls made the light in the alley dim, giving off an inexplicable sense of oppression.
There was no sun today, and the weather was a little gloomy. Patches of mottled tree shadows cast gloomy shadows on the walls, doors, and ground, as if thick dark clouds were looming over the mansion.
Gu Yanfei's heart sank, and a rather uncomfortable feeling rose in her heart.
...
192 Death Energy
The Gu family's carriage quickly stopped outside the gate. After they got out of the carriage, they saw a young man in his 20s waiting there.
The young man was tall and strong. His square face was well-defined, and his facial features were handsome. Just by standing there quietly, he had the sharpness of a young man.
"Greetings, Madam." Murong Yong took a few steps forward and cupped his fists. He cupped his hands politely at Madam Gu with a heroic smile.
Madam Gu sized up the handsome young man in front of her with a satisfied expression and said lovingly, "Good child, there's no need to be so polite."
!
Her expression and tone were affectionate.
Gu Yunzhen and Gu Yanfei alighted from the second carriage behind.
Murong Yong's gaze naturally turned to the sisters. He first looked at his fiancée, Gu Yunzhen, and smiled at her. His teeth were neat and white, and one side of his canine tooth was sharp.
Murong Yong's gaze then swept past Gu Yanfei, who was a step behind Gu Yunzhen. His smile froze on his lips, and he was clearly stunned.
His pupils quivered, and one of his straight eyebrows rose thoughtfully.
The "young man" he had seen in the private room of Tianyin Pavilion that day overlapped with the beautiful and refined girl in front of him.
It was her!
Murong Yong looked steadily at Gu Yanfei, who was walking beside Gu Yunzhen, and recognized that this girl was clearly the girl who had disguised herself as a man and saved Imperial Duke Wei that day.
That day, Murong Yong suspected that the young man with her was not simple. Later, he found out from Kang Wang that it was the Eldest Prince.
"Madam, forgive me for being late!" Not far away, a well-rounded woman in her 40s walked over quickly. She had straight eyebrows, slanted eyes, and a bright smile.
Her voice was slightly high-pitched and had a hint of preemptiveness.
As she spoke, her smiling gaze quietly swept across Gu Yanfei's beautiful face. "This lady is also your granddaughter, right? Look at her fair skin and jade bones. She's like a flower. You really know how to raise your granddaughters!"
Her last sentence was equivalent to praising Gu Yunzhen as well.
Madam Gu enjoyed it and smiled amiably. "In-law, you flatter me. This is my second granddaughter."
So she was from the Gu family, Murong Yong thought. He stared at Gu Yanfei for a long time and greeted her as if nothing had happened. "Eldest Lady Gu, Second Lady Gu."
Madam Murong sized Gu Yunzhen up. The more she looked at her, the more he liked her. She took her hand and praised her with a gentle and loving expression. One moment, she praised her for being gentle and beautiful, the next moment, she praised her for being obedient and sensible, and the next moment, she praised her for being filial and virtuous.
The atmosphere was harmonious.
After Madam Murong spoke for a while, Murong Yong interrupted at the right time, "Mother, it's cold today and the wind is strong. Let's talk inside."
His words and actions were appropriate and elegant.
Madam Murong smiled apologetically and quickly sighed. "Oh, my bad."
"It's rare for Madam to come to the residence, so I should entertain her well. Sigh, Mother-in-law has been seriously ill recently. I'm really…"
"In-law, there's no need to be so polite." Madam Gu hurriedly interrupted her and said sincerely, "The Old Madam of your family is seriously ill. I'm also extremely worried. I also want to visit her on this trip."
"Speaking of which, we haven't seen each other for a few years. At our age, it's really rare to see each other."
As she spoke, Madam Gu sighed with a sad expression.
"You're really considerate." Madam Murong pinched a handkerchief and wiped the corners of her eyes. She sighed and said, "Ever since winter began, Mother-in-law's health hasn't been good. She lies on the couch more than half the time… These days, the weather is cold, and it's even worse for her."
Everyone surrounded Madam Gu and Madam Murong as they walked towards the inner courtyard.
Along the way, Madam Gu asked about Old Madam Murong's condition. From the beginning to the end, she did not say that Gu Yanfei knew medicine. She was more or less worried, afraid that this girl only knew a little.
If she made an empty promise and made the other party anticipate something big, it might not end up well.
As Gu Yanfei walked, she casually sized up the mansion.
The main hall at the front of the inner courtyard seemed to have been renovated. There was no moss on the green tiles under the snow, and the red paint on the beams was as bright as flames.
Although it was a cold winter, this courtyard was not inferior at all. There were all kinds of plum blossoms, camellias, southern sky bamboo, and nobleman's orchids everywhere.
193 Death Energy
The servants who came and went were all submissive. When they met their master, they stood silently at the side with their hands by their sides. They were quiet and orderly while abiding by the strict rules.
The group passed through half of the residence and arrived at a courtyard to the northwest of the residence.
The Old Madam's courtyard was unusually quiet and lifeless. As soon as they entered the courtyard, they smelled the scent of medicine everywhere.
Gu Yanfei immediately felt the uncomfortable feeling in her heart become stronger.
!
An old granny with a wrinkled face welcomed them. After bowing, she respectfully led the group into the house. Her brows were furrowed and she looked worried.
As Gu Yanfei walked forward, she casually observed her surroundings.
On the west side of the courtyard, an old pine tree had withered.
The water in the small pond by the old pine tree had dried up.
In the east room, there was no fish in the blue and white porcelain fish tank at the table…
Gu Yanfei's eyes were dark and she pursed her lips without revealing anything. The fingers of her right hand pressed against her compass in her sleeve. She was curious, interested, and eager to try.
Soon, the women passed through two or three curtains and arrived at a dimly lit inner room. Murong Yong stayed outside to wait.
They could see at a glance that an old woman was lying motionless on the bed against the north wall. Several women and girls were sitting around the bed, attending to her illness.
Madam Gu sighed and praised Madam Murong. "The Murong family is really upright and filial."
"It's only right." Madam Murong smiled and acted modestly.
Gu Yanfei, who was at the back, quietly looked around the room.
This room was clearly very spacious, but the moment Gu Yanfei walked in, it was as if she had walked into a small and cold environment. It was as if the roof and walls were pressing down on her and were within reach.
There were two charcoal pots burning in the house. The window on the east side was only slightly open. There were a few talismans stuck to the window, but the house was dim and far away, so she couldn't see what was drawn.
The dull air was mixed with the smell of medicine, sandalwood, mildew, and other unidentifiable smells.
Gu Yanfei sniffed a sachet.
From the moment she stepped into the room, she felt suffocated. It was like the dull, oppressive feeling she had felt before the summer storm.
Seeing that an important guest was visiting, the few servants in the room stood up and greeted Madam Gu.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, the women of the Murong family moved aside. The Old Madam lying on the bed also clearly entered the vision of Gu Yanfei and the others.
The haggard old woman in her 60s had mostly gray hair and was unconscious at this moment. Only her old face, which was as pale as paper, was revealed outside the brocade blanket. Her eyes were closed, her lips were dry and flat, and her brown-spotted cheeks were slightly sunken.
The dull grayish-green bed canopy above made the old woman's face look especially dark.
Even those who did not know medicine could tell that the Old Madam of the Murong family was seriously ill.
Gu Yanfei could not help but frown. She stared at the Old Madam for a long time.
There was a grayish-black aura of death around her.
Gu Yanfei narrowed her eyes slightly. She could see that the grayish-green bed canopy was filled with this grayish-black death energy, like layers of dark clouds before a storm.
The thick death energy enveloped the old woman on the bed like a cocoon, so thick that it almost covered her face.
Gu Yanfei was a medical cultivator and was most sensitive to death energy. She watched helplessly as wisps of black gas floated out of the shelf bed, baring their fangs and brandishing their claws like the tentacles of an octopus.
A wisp of black air floated to her skin, and her hair stood on end. She had goosebumps instantly.
Gu Yanfei gently touched her wrist, and her black eyes turned cold.
She was certain that this death energy was not the death energy of a sick person, but of a dead person!
But the problem was…
Gu Yanfei's gaze was fixed between Old Madam Murong's nose and mouth. Although the other party's breathing was very weak, she was certain that the other party was still breathing and still alive!
This was unusual.
Gu Yanfei twirled her fingers thoughtfully in her wide sleeves. Her eyes darkened bit by bit, like a calm pool.
Madam Gu and Madam Murong walked to the sickbed together.
Looking at the unconscious Old Madam Murong on the couch, Madam Gu said sadly,
"I've known my sister for more than 20 years. The last time we met was three years ago, right? At that time, my sister looked even more energetic than me. It's only been three years…"
The last sentence ended with a faint sigh.
Madam Murong wiped the corners of her red eyes with a handkerchief and sighed. "We've already invited all the famous doctors in the capital. The imperial physicians have also seen her. They all say that Old Madam's condition isn't looking good."
"Later, I even invited Shangqing Spiritual Master over."
Hearing Madam Murong mention "Shangqing Spiritual Master", even Madam Gu was slightly moved. Her expression was solemn as she sighed. "Shangqing Spiritual Master's Tao techniques are profound."
Madam Murong wiped the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief again before turning around. She grabbed Gu Yunzhen's right hand and looked at her sincerely with misty eyes. "Zhen'er, I've watched you grow up and have always liked you."
"Not only have you been knowledgeable since you were young, you're filial, sensible, and you also have a good personality… I can only dream of having such a daughter."
Madam Gu's fingers gently rubbed the prayer beads without commenting.
Madam Murong lowered her voice and said, "Madam, can we talk in private?"
Madam Gu stroked her sleeve, knowing very well that the other party wanted to talk about the wedding to rush joy.
She quietly gave Gu Yanfei a look and asked her to take a look at Old Madam Murong before following Madam Murong to the jade cabinet.
Gu Yanfei did not notice Madam Gu's gaze at all. Her attention was all on Old Madam Murong, who was on the bed, her eyes burning.
The other party's closed eyelids trembled slightly.
Old Madam Murong was awake?!
The death energy in the bed curtains was even thicker, so thick that ink was about to drip out.
...
Gu Yanfei took another step closer to the other party. When she took a closer look, she saw the old woman's dry and dark lips move a few times…
The other party did not make a sound, but Gu Yanfei could read lips and immediately read it.
What the other party said was—
Kill… me.
In an instant, death energy surged from Old Madam Murong's body.
194 Something's Wrong
Looking at the ferocious and surging black aura, Gu Yanfei's eyes twitched.
Gu Yanfei took another step forward. The tip of her nose twitched, and she vaguely smelled an indistinct, rancid smell.
The air was thick with the scent of incense and charcoal, forcing down the rancid smell and mixing it into another nauseating smell.
Gu Yanfei frowned. The Second Madam of the Murong family quickly stepped forward and blocked the bed. The handkerchief in her hand trembled, and a rich cinnamon fragrance wafted over.
Second Madam Murong suggested with a warm smile, "Eldest Lady Gu, Second Lady Gu, why don't you two young ladies go out for a walk? The smell here isn't good. It's too stuffy and hot."
"Hui'er, bring the two ladies to the garden to play. You'll be family in the future, so you should get closer."
Madam Murong hurriedly waved her hand and called Murong Yong's sister, Murong Hui, over.
Murong Hui was a 15 years old girl with an oval face and cherry lips. She was dressed in a simple lotus-colored robe and had her hair combed into a double bun. She was only wearing a lotus-colored silk flower headband and was dressed plainly.
She bowed elegantly to the sisters and smiled faintly.
Gu Yunzhen subconsciously looked at Gu Yanfei. Seeing her gently touch her sleeve, she immediately understood and smiled appropriately.
Hence, the sisters followed Murong Hui out of the inner room.
Murong Yong was waiting outside. Seeing them come out, he stood up from his chair and said with a smile, "I'll go with you."
One of Madam Murong's housekeepers followed with a few maidservants and old women.
The few of them strolled out of the lifeless courtyard. It was very cold outside, and the wind blowing in their faces carried a bone-chilling chill. However, the air was fresh, making the oppressive dullness dissipate a lot.
They walked down another winding path and were silent for a long while.
"After passing through this bamboo forest, we'll reach the small garden." Murong Yong was the first to break the silence.
He raised his hand and pointed at the bamboo forest ahead. The green bamboo leaves and yellow-green bamboo poles swayed in the cold wind, making rustling sounds. It was quiet and elegant.
Murong Yong stopped for a moment and glanced at Murong Hui with his deep gaze.
Murong Hui bit her lower lip and rubbed her handkerchief with both hands before saying unwillingly, "My father specially transplanted this piece of golden jade bamboo from Jiangnan 10 years ago. Back then, Second Brother and I also helped plant a few."
"My mother loves those flowers and plants. The peonies, hibiscus, and chrysanthemums in the garden… My father looked for them everywhere for her. Unfortunately, hundreds of flowers are withering at this time."
"There's a tricolor plum blossom on the west side of the garden. I'll show you."
"…"
Murong Hui spoke as she walked. Her manners were generous and proper, and her words were gentle and tactful, but there was a hint of alienation.
After entering the garden, they walked for a while more before the three-colored plum blossom that Murong Hui had mentioned appeared in front of them.
A small patch of plum trees was planted along the lake. Red, white, and winter plums interlaced perfectly in the forest. The plums were reflected on the lake, and the water was colorful.
The plum blossoms, the rockery, the water pavilion, and the small lake formed a picturesque scene.
A stone bridge, barely big enough for two people to walk side by side, was built on the lake, leading straight to the plum blossoms on the other side.
Gu Yanfei and Murong Hui walked in front while Murong Yong and Gu Yunzhen followed behind.
Before they got onto the bridge, Murong Yong cautiously reminded her, "Be careful."
He held Gu Yunzhen's forearm lightly and did not touch her, displaying a gentlemanly aura.
Gu Yunzhen smiled gratefully.
Seeing that he was being polite and that his words were appropriate, Gu Yunzhen's uneasy heart calmed down a little, and her eyes were calm.
Since yesterday, she had been thinking about this marriage, Murong Yong, and her future life. In the dead of night, she tossed and turned, unable to sleep.
She told herself time and again that a woman had to get married eventually. As long as the other party's character was okay, she would do her duty as a wife. It was fine as long as the other party could give her the respect that a legitimate wife deserved.
She would definitely be able to lead a good life!
Murong Hui, who was walking in front, also heard the voices behind her. She turned around and glanced at the two of them, twisting the handkerchief in her hand.
On the lake, the cold wind blew.
By the lake, the plum branches swayed and rustled. Ripples appeared on the surface of the lake with the wind. The faint fragrance of plum blossoms entered their mouths and noses, making them feel refreshed.
195 No
After crossing the bridge, the four of them sat down in a warm pavilion in the forest. A heater was buried under the pavilion, and screens blocked the wind all around, making the pavilion as warm as spring.
The maidservants of the Murong family immediately served tea and snacks to their master and guests.
Murong Yong reminded Gu Yunzhen with a smile to take off her cloak. Otherwise, she would catch a cold if she went out of the warm pavilion later.
Gu Yunzhen thanked him briefly and took off her cloak.
!
Murong Hui pursed her lips into a straight line as she watched this harmonious scene. She was just short of saying "unpleasant" on her face.
Murong Hui took a sip of tea and said sourly, "Eldest Lady Gu, my Second Brother is really considerate to you. He's not like this with me and my other sisters…"
Ever since they were young, Big Brother had been cold to them and ignored them. However, he was so good to this woman today!
"Miss Murong." Gu Yanfei looked at Murong Hui and suddenly said, "I think your grandmother is quite sick. I'm afraid she won't be able to survive the next winter's snow. I wonder how long she's been sick?"
Murong Hui's expression darkened as she thought to herself, 'Who talks like that?! Such inauspicious words!"
Murong Hui snorted angrily and mocked sarcastically, "From Second Miss Gu's straightforward tone, it seems like you know medicine."
"Yes." Gu Yanfei nodded seriously and smiled at Murong Yong, who was sitting beside Murong Hui. "Second Young Master Murong should know."
She smiled calmly, her clear pupils like clear springs. She did not shy away from talking about how she saved Imperial Duke Wei at the Tianyin Pavilion the other day.
She would not treat others as fools and think that Murong Yong would not recognize her even if he was so close.
What did she mean? Murong Hui looked at Murong Yong in shock.
Meeting Gu Yanfei's clear pupils, the teacup in Murong Yong's hand paused for a moment before he replied in a low voice, "Grandma has been sick for almost three months."
"When autumn entered winter, Grandma caught a cold and collapsed. Our family searched for famous doctors, but her condition only worsened…"
Beside him, Murong Hui lowered her eyes and gripped the teacup tightly with her fingers. She pursed her lips and did not say anything.
Outside the pavilion, the wind was biting. It blew against the screen and the plum trees with a crackling sound. Occasionally, a few remnants of flowers and leaves were blown into the pavilion by the wind through the gap in the screen.
The atmosphere was a little heavy.
"That's not right," Gu Yanfei interrupted Murong Yong. She held her chin with her right hand and smiled lazily. "She's been sick for at least three years."
When Gu Yanfei approached Old Madam Murong just now, she could smell the rancid smell from her body.
It was the smell of the dead.
Even if the room was lit with incense, charcoal was burned, and medicine pots and bowls were filled with medicinal dregs, it could not hide the strong rancid smell.
The pavilion instantly fell into a strange silence, as if even the wind outside had stopped.
Murong Hui frowned and felt that Second Miss Gu was really aggressive. She interrupted coldly, "Second Miss Gu, what do you mean? How can we not know how long Grandma has been sick?"
"Not only did we hire an imperial physician, but even Shangqing Spiritual Master came to see Grandma. If Second Lady Gu doesn't believe me, you can…"
Seeing that Murong Hui's emotions were getting higher and higher, Murong Yong reprimanded her softly, "Hui'er." His tone was sharp.
Murong Hui shut her mouth in embarrassment.
Murong Yong smiled apologetically and sighed. "All these years, Grandma has been old and weak. Her health is indeed not good, and she drinks medicine every day like she's drinking tea. I've been working outside for the past two years. When my family sends letters, they always report good news but not bad news…"
"I didn't expect Grandma's condition to deteriorate so quickly…"
Gu Yanfei folded her hands under her chin and asked with a smile, "Did the talismans on the window come from Shangqing Spiritual Master?"
"Of course." Murong Hui raised her chin proudly, her eyes shining brightly. "His Taoist skills are profound. Fortunately, he took action…"
As Murong Hui spoke, she saw a willow-yellow slender figure walk out from behind a rockery outside the forest and walk leisurely towards the warm pavilion.
Murong Hui's eyes lit up, and the corners of her lips curled up. She glanced sideways at Gu Yunzhen, who was sitting opposite her.
The warm pavilion, where the four of them were, was specially designed. It had a good view and was most suitable for admiring the scenery. It could take in the surrounding scenery completely.
Therefore, Gu Yanfei and Gu Yunzhen also noticed the person.
It was a young woman of 16 or 17 years old. She was beautiful, with thick black hair tied into a slanted crescent bun. Her skin was fair, and there was a faint blush on her cheeks and lips.
"Yong Lang."
The girl quickly walked to a white plum tree fifty to sixty feet away. Her cherry lips moved slightly as she called Murong Yong in a slightly choked voice.
Her voice was as pleasant as the cry of a lark.
Her limpid eyes were filled with hazy tears. She wanted to say something but did not. She was so gentle that one could not help but pity her.
Under the cold wind, a strand of hair by the girl's cheek hung down her neck and trembled slightly, like a delicate flower mercilessly ravaged by the cold wind.
In the pavilion, Murong Yong frowned slightly. There was no fluctuation in his dark brown pupils.
The atmosphere froze, and the pavilion fell silent. Three to five plum blossoms as white as snow were blown into the pavilion by the wind.
"Your voice is really good!" Gu Yanfei smiled brightly and broke the silence. "Does your residence have an opera troupe?"
Gu Yanfei's crisp voice was especially loud in the pavilion.
When the girl beside the white plum tree heard this, she looked as if she had been slapped on the spot. Her face turned slightly pale, and tears threatened to fall.
Murong Hui frowned tightly and scolded angrily, "What nonsense are you talking about?!"
"That's my cousin!"
196 Noble Concubine
The housekeeper accompanying her hurriedly smiled apologetically and explained vaguely, "This is the Eldest Madam's cousin. She has come to the residence to stay temporarily. She's been talking nonsense with a fever these few days…"
"Cousin?" Gu Yanfei raised her eyebrows. "Could she be from the Zhao family in Bingzhou?"
Madam Murong was from the Zhao family of Bingzhou.
"My cousin's surname is Liu," Murong Hui retorted without thinking.
"You have the same surname." Gu Yanfei smiled.
The other party's surname was Liu, and she was related to the Murong family by blood.
These conditions were enough for her to read her fortune.
Gu Yanfei hid her fingers in her sleeve and casually calculated with her right hand. She pursed her lips thoughtfully.
The slender eyebrows are reminiscent of the imperial music office. It's already time for the pipa to break.
Eh? This cousin surnamed Liu was from the imperial music office?!
Most of the musicians, dancers, and singers in the imperial music office were the wives and daughters of officials who had committed crimes. If they were implicated, not only would they be included in the lowly status, but they would also sit together for generations. It was equivalent to falling into the dust.
The imperial music office was under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Rites. The names of every prostitute were recorded in the Ministry of Rites. If one wanted to be removed from the imperial music office, they had to obtain the approval of the Ministry of Rites and not allow anyone to redeem themselves.
A gust of southeastern wind blew, causing a few white plum trees to sway gently in the cold wind. Bits of snow-white petals fell like fairies scattering flowers as Miss Liu rushed out of the plum trees with her hands holding her skirt.
Miss Liu rushed out of the pavilion in one breath. Her gaze swept between Gu Yunzhen and Gu Yanfei before landing on Gu Yunzhen's face. She solemnly bowed and said gently,
"Eldest Miss Gu, please keep me by your side to serve you. I definitely won't be disloyal to you!"
She spoke confidently, her expression firm and sincere, and a little pitiful.
Those watery eyes were clear and graceful, as if they could speak. A thousand words were gathered in them, as if the fate of her life was entrusted to Gu Yunzhen.
Gu Yanfei's gaze froze on the gentle and beautiful Miss Liu. She stroked her chin with her index finger.
Something felt strange.
Why did this lady look familiar, as if she had seen her somewhere before?
As Gu Yanfei pondered, she turned to look at Gu Yunzhen beside her.
Gu Yunzhen looked at Miss Liu thoughtfully, her eyes darkening. Her slender fingers gripped a handkerchief tightly.
The housekeeper looked embarrassed and quickly walked towards Miss Liu. She lowered her voice and advised, "Miss, don't make things difficult for me."
Murong Yong's face had already turned cold. Coldness gradually surfaced in his sharp eyes as he looked at Miss Liu.
"Take her away," Murong Yong ordered indifferently. "Stop fooling around."
When he said the last two words, his voice was as cold as ice, and his thin lips pressed into a tight line.
Murong Yong's words were like a bolt of lightning that flashed across Gu Yanfei's heart.
It was her!
Gu Yanfei still stared at Miss Liu without blinking. Her eyes widened slightly as she finally remembered.
She had indeed seen Miss Liu before.
In her previous life.
She remembered that it was a month after Gu Yunzhen got married. She had visited the Murong family in September of the following year.
At that time, she was outside the house and heard a little commotion inside. Then, she heard Murong Yong say indifferently, "Take her away. Stop fooling around!"
Then, Gu Yanfei saw a beautiful woman being brought out by two old women. The woman was dressed plainly. In her memory, the young woman's dressing and aura were different from the other maidservants and daughters-in-law.
That's right, that young woman was the cousin of the Liu family in front of her!
At that time, Gu Yanfei did not know who the other party was. In that life, she was too solitary and weak. Although she had some guesses, she did not dare to ask Gu Yunzhen.
"Cousin?" Gu Yanfei said with a faint smile. "… Or a noble concubine?"
In her previous life, what Gu Yanfei could not understand was obvious at this moment.
Hearing this, Gu Yunzhen's expression changed slightly.
She knew very well that it was rare for a family like the Murong family to have a concubine. However, the nature of a noble concubine was different. A noble concubine was disrespectful to a legitimate wife, not to mention that the Murong family had already decided on a candidate for a noble concubine before marriage…
At the thought of this, the last faint fire in Gu Yunzhen's eyes dimmed and finally disappeared.
Her gaze became as calm as water, and her heart was like a calm lake.
Gu Yunzhen held the forbidden step by her waist with one hand and stood up elegantly. She walked towards Miss Liu, who was pushing the housekeeper outside the pavilion.
197 Noble Concubine
"Let her go."
This sentence was directed at the housekeeper. "Her" referred to Miss Liu.
The housekeeper looked hesitant and subconsciously looked at Murong Yong from the corner of her eye.
Gu Yunzhen did not care about the nanny's expression at all. She looked straight at Miss Liu, who was an inch shorter than her, and asked calmly, "Who did you say you are?"
!
Miss Liu knelt on the cold and hard ground below with a plop. A line of crystal clear tears fell from the corners of her eyes, and her eyelashes fluttered like butterfly wings.
Her pupils, washed by tears, were misty.
She sobbed and said, "I'm willing to be a slave and serve you for the rest of my life. I won't be disloyal!"
"Be a slave?" Gu Yunzhen's voice was as calm as a calm lake. "No need."
"I'm a guest. There's no reason for me to bring someone else's cousin back to be a servant."
"If you have the heart to sell yourself, you can go to the broker."
Her tone was as gentle as ever, with a graceful and refined bearing, but also a hint of high and mighty alienation.
"That's not my intention." Miss Liu seemed to have been slapped in the face again, and her face turned even paler.
Two more lines of tears slid from her eyes, and they turned even redder. She was as beautiful and delicate as white plums dancing in the air, and she could only let the cold wind blow against her.
Murong Yong did not say a word. His face was expressionless as he quietly looked at Gu Yunzhen and Miss Liu.
Gu Yanfei did not give the Murong family any face at all and directly chuckled.
Murong Hui walked over and helped Miss Liu up. When she looked at her, her eyes were filled with pity.
When her gaze met Gu Yunzhen's, she was furious. She raised her voice in dissatisfaction and reprimanded, "Eldest Lady Gu, what nonsense are you talking about? When did my cousin say that she wanted to sell herself?"
"My cousin begged you hard. It's fine if you don't agree, but why do you have to humiliate my cousin so aggressively?!"
Miss Liu grabbed Murong Hui's sleeve. Her cherry lips were bitten white, and her slender body was trembling.
Gu Yunzhen picked up a white plum that had fallen on the stone table and spun it casually. She suggested indifferently, "Since Miss Murong is so kind, just agree to your cousin's request."
Her smile was still gentle, and her eyes became more distant, as if the two of them could not be seen at all.
As a servant, she would serve her for life without any ulterior motives.
"Second Brother…" Murong Hui's face turned red as she looked at Murong Yong for help.
She… She… Gu Yunzhen actually wanted her cousin to be her servant!
Ridiculous, this was ridiculous!
Murong Hui's mouth opened and closed. No matter how shrewish she was, she was still unmarried. There were some things that she really could not say.
Miss Liu also looked at Murong Yong with a delicate gaze, her eyes filled with hope and tenderness.
"Enough," Murong Yong finally said.
It was unknown who he was talking to.
He waved at the housekeeper to take her away.
The housekeeper immediately understood and summoned two burly old women. The two old women whispered, "Excuse me," and nimbly restrained Miss Liu.
"Yong Lang…" Miss Liu called out to Murong Yong with teary eyes, filled with pain. Her expressive eyes seemed to be saying, "Yong Lang, why are you so heartless?"
However, she did not have a chance to finish her sentence. The old woman quickly covered her mouth and pulled her away almost rudely.
The entire process happened in the blink of an eye. The outside of the pavilion became empty. Only Murong Hui stomped her feet unwillingly and unhappily.
There was silence in the pavilion for a moment, until the man's laughter cut through the air.
"Eldest Lady Gu." Murong Yong smiled. His gaze landed on Gu Yunzhen's face and he said seriously, "She's just a cousin, not a noble concubine."
His tone was solemn, as if he was promising something.
"Young Master, you don't have to tell me that." Gu Yunzhen revealed a gentle smile that did not reach her eyes. She said calmly, "I can't make the decision regarding marriage."
"However, as long as I'm not married, I'm still a delicate guest in your residence."
"To let your cousin talk nonsense in front of guests, your family's style is obvious."
"I'm afraid I'll have to part company with you."
Gu Yunzhen did not give Murong Yong a chance to speak at all. She turned around and called Gu Yanfei over. "Yanfei, let's go."
She waved her hand and flicked her sleeve, leaving the white plum behind. She left without looking back.
Gu Yanfei followed silently with a smile.
The white plum that Gu Yunzhen casually threw down fluttered down like a feather and happened to be blown to the spot where Miss Liu had knelt.
Murong Yong did not force the two of them to stay. He only gestured again, and two maidservants left with Gu Yunzhen and Gu Yanfei.
He watched the sisters' retreating backs and said nothing for a long time. His eyes were dark and unreadable, as if he was weighing and thinking about something.
The biting wind blew past, strong and powerful, sending ripples across the cold lake again and disturbing it.
"Second Brother, look at her…" Murong Hui suddenly stood up from her chair. She was so angry that her breath stuck in her chest. She could not help but stomp her feet a few times.
Murong Yong only gave Murong Hui a sideways glance, and Murong Hui fell silent like a mute.
Murong Yong's eyes turned as cold as a cold swamp and he asked coldly, "Who released her?"
The housekeeper replied slowly, "I don't know either… Second Young Master, I'll order someone to investigate now…"
She also knew that the Gu family's delicate guest was here today, so she had not dared to let her cousin out. She did not know what had gone wrong.
"Give punishment where it's due," Murong Yong spat out four more words lightly.
...
The housekeeper obeyed and acutely understood what her master meant.
If they couldn't find out the truth, they would be the ones to be punished!
The housekeeper left. A maidservant who had just left behind Gu Yanfei and the others hurried over.
"Second Young Master," the maidservant reported breathlessly, not daring to meet Murong Yong's sharp eyes. "Eldest Miss Gu and Second Miss Gu went to the gate…"
Her shaky voice faded into the cold wind.
Before Murong Yong could speak, Murong Hui's sharp voice had already blurted out. She was about to overturn the roof of the pavilion. "What?! These two ladies are really unruly."
Murong Hui's expression turned even uglier.
Gu Yunzhen's actions were equivalent to slapping the Murong family mercilessly!
198 Decision
Gu Yanfei and Gu Yunzhen had already boarded their carriage. The carriage was still parked outside the gate, waiting for Madam Gu to leave with them.
In the carriage, the light was dim and the air was cold.
"Yanfei, warm your hands." Gu Yunzhen handed Gu Yanfei a small and exquisite pumpkin-shaped hand stove.
The warm hand warmer was placed in Gu Yanfei's hand and pressed against her heart through her skin.
!
In the Gu family, only Big Sister would be so meticulous toward her.
As for Big Brother…
Big Brother wasn't afraid of the cold and didn't expect a girl to need a hand stove.
Gu Yanfei couldn't help but smile.
She casually placed the stove on her knees and personally poured tea for Gu Yunzhen, then handed the cup of tea to her.
"Big Sister, the Murong family is not a good place," she said without hiding her intentions.
"This marriage is not a good idea."
As this crisp voice sounded, a faint fragrance of tea lingered in Gu Yunzhen's nose. It was clear and mellow, nourishing Gu Yunzhen's heart like spring rain.
Gu Yunzhen was already used to Gu Yanfei's straightforward style. She was not surprised, and even felt that it was as she had expected. Even the haze buried in the depths of her heart was dispelled a little.
She gently held Gu Yanfei's hand, her palm against hers, and her eyes were gentle.
Of course, she knew that Gu Yanfei had specially come to the Murong family today purely for her. She wanted to help her see Murong Yong's character in the name of visiting Old Madam Murong.
She also knew that Gu Yanfei was right.
However…
The scene in the warm pavilion flashed through her mind. Gu Yunzhen could not help but purse her lips, and her chest heaved slightly, as if this was the only way she could suppress the surging emotions in her heart.
However, she had to consider her mother and her second sister.
If her grandmother knew that her second sister had instigated her to break off the engagement, she would definitely be even angrier.
All these years, the third branch had been in an awkward situation in the Marquis Household. The eldest branch was also in the same position.
The eldest branch's eldest uncle and aunt were no longer around. This meant that Eldest Brother's future and Second Sister's marriage were in the hands of their grandmother and second uncle.
Eldest Brother did not rely on the grace of his father and had trained in the army for many years. It was not easy for him to be promoted to battalion commander in the Divine Arms Battalion. He was the only one who knew how hard he had worked. In the future, if Eldest Brother wanted to gain a foothold, he would also need his family's help.
At the thought of this, a hint of helplessness and struggle slowly appeared in her dark eyes…
Soon, she suppressed the negative emotions in her heart and smiled gently. She gently stroked the top of Gu Yanfei's head.
"Yanfei, I'll consider it carefully." She looked deeply into Gu Yanfei's eyes and did not avoid them at all. She let her clear gaze strike her heart and said sincerely, "All I asked for is to respect each other."
"But in this world, how many women have lived like this? I'm no different from them."
Her voice was very rational and calm.
From the day her father died, she was no longer a delicate flower in the greenhouse. She wanted to protect herself and her mother.
"It's different." Gu Yanfei shook her head.
She casually lifted a corner of the curtain. A knife-like cold wind blew in through the gap, messing up the hair on Gu Yanfei's cheek.
Gu Yanfei's gaze was even sharper than the cold wind outside. She accurately looked to the northwest, at the courtyard where Old Madam Murong was.
This residence was different.
Old Madam Murong's body was surrounded by a thick aura of death and a rotten smell.
Gu Yanfei was almost certain that she was dead.
And…
Gu Yanfei looked around again. The high walls around the mansion, the stone beasts squatting on the eaves, the dead pine trees, the dry small pond, and the talismans stuck to the windows…
The entire mansion was filled with a suffocating aura.
Among Taoist doctors, there was indeed a saying of "rushing good fortune".
In her previous life, the Murong family did not mourn. In other words, Old Madam Murong had survived.
The reason why Old Madam Murong was sick had nothing to do with external causes. In her previous life, she should have been sick at this moment. Then why did she survive in her previous life?
The reason was obvious.
In her previous life, someone else must have rushed good fortune for Madam Murong.
Gu Yanfei raised her hand and tucked a few strands of messy hair behind her ear. She leaned lazily against the wall of the carriage, not hiding her displeasure. She snorted and said, "This mansion is really uncomfortable."
She was about to put down the curtains when she saw Madam Gu walking over slowly.
Their eyes met in midair for a moment.
199 Decision
A hint of hesitation flashed across Madam Gu's face. She stroked the fur on her sleeves and continued walking towards the carriage without stopping.
After she finished talking to Madam Murong in the green gauze cabinet, she heard from the Murong family's housekeeper that Gu Yunzhen and Gu Yanfei had gone to the gate together.
Therefore, Madam Gu did not stay any longer and directly bade farewell.
Madam Murong did not force her to stay. She only instructed the housekeeper to send Madam Gu off.
The housekeeper wanted to redeem herself and was extremely polite. She sent Madam Gu straight to the black carriages in front and did not leave.
The Gu family's two carriages drove out of the alley where the Murong family was and embarked on their return journey.
At noon, Gu Yanfei and Gu Yunzhen alighted from the carriage at the Gu family's gate.
Madam Wang heard the news and rushed over at this moment. She said with a smile, "Mother, thank you for making the trip."
She walked over briskly and affectionately supported Madam Gu's arm. "How's Old Madam Murong's condition?"
Gu Jian's reminder sounded in Madam Wang's ear. This marriage was beneficial to the Marquis Household, so nothing must go wrong.
Madam Wang was asking Madam Gu, but Madam Gu looked at Gu Yanfei and gently called out, "Yanfei, what do you think?"
Madam Gu's gaze was like a torch on Gu Yanfei's face.
"The dead can't be revived. Everything is predestined," Gu Yanfei said casually as she rubbed the pumpkin-shaped hand stove between her fingers.
It was just a few words, but it seemed unfathomable.
There was silence for a moment.
Madam Gu's graceful face darkened visibly, and the corners of her eyes twitched.
This girl was deliberately being mysterious again!
Madam Gu had something on her mind and could not be bothered to say anything to Gu Yanfei. She casually said, "Go back."
She turned to Gu Yunzhen and said, "Zhen'er, follow me to the Benevolent Harmony Hall."
Gu Yanfei turned around and saw a yellow, white, and black figure flash past. The calico cat, which had run out of nowhere, jumped down from the top of the carriage and stopped steadily on her shoulder. It meowed and began to question where she had carried the cat to play again.
Madam Gu also heard the meowing of the cat. Her heart thumped uncomfortably, and her brows furrowed.
Even when she sat down in the Benevolent Harmony Hall, she was still frowning.
The irrelevant people in the east room had all been dismissed. The rest of them sat side by side on the kang bed. Madam Wang sat at the bottom, leaving Granny Li alone in the room to serve them.
Madam Gu took two sips of tea. After she recovered, she pulled herself together and started talking. "Zhen'er, I've heard about the garden."
She patted Gu Yunzhen's hand comfortingly and said in a gentle and loving tone, "Madam Murong has already told me that she's a cousin. After the new year, she'll give her a secondary dowry and marry her off."
Gu Yunzhen lowered her eyes and looked at Madam Gu's well-maintained hands.
Although she was old, her hands were still fair and delicate. There was a string of rosewood prayer beads wrapped around her hand. When she patted the back of Gu Yunzhen's hand, the beads were actually a little jarring, leaving a small red mark on the girl's tender skin.
Madam Gu patted Gu Yunzhen with her hand that was wrapped around the prayer beads and advised her earnestly, "You, don't always go crazy with Gu Yanfei. She has no parents, and her future is unpredictable. She doesn't have any worries, but you're different. You have a bright future. Just focus on living a good life, why do you have to be stubborn and hurt yourself?!"
"Madam Murong thinks very highly of you. She also said a lot of good things about you to me today…"
"…"
Madam Gu talked non-stop. Every time she thought of the chaos in the residence after Gu Yanfei returned, she felt extremely vexed.
Gu Yunzhen leaned against Madam Gu's arm and sat upright on the bed. Her figure was as elegant as an orchid, and she looked dignified and virtuous.
Although Madam Wang did not know what had happened in the Murong Manor, she could roughly guess from Madam's words. To put it bluntly, it was not uncommon in the various manors for cousins to be couples.
Madam Wang also advised Gu Yunzhen, "Zhen'er, such a good marriage is hard to come by. Your grandmother won't harm you."
Gu Yunzhen did not react at all. She sat motionless, her eyes half lowered, her lips pursed, and she did not say a word.
Looking at Gu Yunzhen's sullen appearance, Madam Gu felt a little angry. The corners of her eyes twitched slightly as she thought to herself, 'This girl's personality is just not as likable as Rong'er's.'
She stroked the red sandalwood prayer beads in her hand and said in the high and mighty tone of an elder, "I've already agreed to Madam Murong's request just now. The marriage is set to be before the new year."
"…" Gu Yunzhen finally reacted. She looked up at Madam Gu.
It was already the 27th of December, and there were less than four days until the new year.
Even Madam Wang was shocked. This was too rushed. She was afraid that she would not even have time to prepare the dowry.
However, Gu Yunzhen would marry sooner or later, just a few days in advance.
"Zhen'er, I'm doing this for your own good." There was a hint of impatience in Madam Gu's eyes, but her face was still kind. The silver inlay on her earlobes shone.
"This time, you married into the Murong family to save Ah Yong's grandmother. The Murong family will be indebted to you. Regardless of whether the Old Madam can recover this time, the Murong family will definitely not mistreat you in the future. They will remember your kindness!"
She seemed to be persuading her, but in fact, her words were already domineering and unquestionable.
Madam Wang nodded repeatedly and chimed in, "The slight grievances you've suffered will also be your blessing in the future."
"There's no other young and promising bachelor like the Second Young Master of the Murong family in the capital!"
Madam Wang bragged about Murong Yong, but Gu Yunzhen was very calm. Even when she heard about the wedding date, she only moved her eyelids without any ripples in her eyes.
She had thought it through and made her decision.
200 Not Marrying
The house was as warm as spring and filled with incense, but Gu Yunzhen felt that her limbs were cold. Her fingertips were slightly numb from the cold, and the dull, oppressive, and unpleasant smell she had smelled in Old Madam Murong's house today lingered in her nose.
It lingered in the spacious, brightly lit house.
"Grandma," Gu Yunzhen met Madam Gu's dignified eyes and said calmly, "I'll listen to your arrangements."
It was just a marriage. Every woman had to experience it to lead a good life.
It was just that they would not be in love with each other.
It was just a part of life. Since Mother and Grandma could do it, of course she could too.
Although she had made up her mind, she could not help but feel a little disappointed. The strange smell on her nose intensified, and she sighed. However, she was going to make her sister worry about her again.
Hearing Gu Yunzhen's agreement, Madam Gu's face instantly turned from gloomy to bright. A kind smile appeared on her graceful face again.
The atmosphere in the room instantly brightened.
Madam Gu instructed Granny Li in satisfaction, "Quick, get someone to invite the Third Madam over."
Granny Li hurriedly nodded and quickly went out to pass on the message.
Madam Gu called in the maidservant, Bai Lu. In front of Gu Yunzhen, she asked Bai Lu to open the storeroom and get a box of jewelry from her private vault. She also instructed another nanny to bring over the list of dowries from when the eldest aunt got married.
If the marriage was set before the new year, it meant that the dowry would be delivered tomorrow.
The Benevolent Harmony Hall became busy at once. The grannies and old women came and went in a hurry.
After Gu Yunzhen finished speaking, she began to fall silent again, as if her soul had been pulled out of her body.
Madam Gu was in a good mood and kept talking. "Zhen'er, the family won't let you suffer. Second Aunt will also help your mother manage your dowry. We'll handle it well."
"I'll add more dowry for you. In addition to this box of jewelry, I'll give you 10,000 taels of silver and a farm."
"I still have a lot of good materials here. It's a good opportunity for you to get the needlework room to work day and night."
"…"
Gu Yunzhen pursed her lips and was silent for a long time.
Madam Gu's voice was clearly beside her ear, but it seemed so far away, as if it came from a thousand miles away.
However, in Madam Gu's eyes, Gu Yunzhen's silence became obedient.
Madam Gu smiled brightly. She was in high spirits as she discussed some details of the wedding with Madam Wang.
Without batting an eyelid, Madam Wang signaled her housekeeper to find someone to inform the Marquis of the good news.
Madam Wang smiled and said, "Mother, the eldest son-in-law is not even 20 years old, but he's already a fifth-grade battalion commander of the Divine Arms Battalion. His future is just right. If he doesn't have to mourn, he'll be able to rise in a few years and wear a fourth-grade scarlet robe uniform."
In the imperial court, those below the fifth-grade wore green robes, and those above the fourth-grade wore scarlet robes.
The scarlet robe meant he was in full swing. It was a symbol of status and a bright future.
Madam Gu agreed and nodded happily.
The words "Fifth-Grade Battalion Commander of the Divine Arms Battalion" pierced Gu Yunzhen's ears like needles.
For the first time, her originally stagnant expression fluctuated slightly, and her long green eyelashes fluttered twice.
She slowly turned to Madam Gu, her eyes like a cold black pool. She asked word by word, "A fifth-grade battalion commander of the Divine Arms Battalion?"
"That's right," Madam Gu said with a smile. "There's a hurdle between the fifth and fourth ranks. After passing this hurdle, Eldest Young Master will have a bright future…"
Madam Gu wanted to talk to Gu Yunzhen nicely, but she was interrupted by her. "Grandma, isn't the Divine Arms Battalion's battalion commander position meant to be for Big Brother?"
The entire residence knew that Gu Yuan had been transferred to the Divine Arms Battalion and promoted to battalion commander after receiving the order from the Ministry of War. Of course, Gu Yunzhen also knew.
But this was Big Brother's job. Why did it become Murong Yong's?!
What about Big Brother?
In order to follow in his uncle's footsteps, Big Brother had worked hard for many years. He had gradually gained a foothold in the army at the cost of blood and sweat. It was not easy for him to reach this point…
The relaxed and cheerful atmosphere just now instantly froze and became a little awkward.
Madam Gu and Madam Wang looked at each other. Their expressions froze as they realized the problem.