211 Breaking the Engagement
If it was the Gu Yunzhen of the past, it was impossible for her not to feel ashamed when she was caught sneaking away.
But now…
Gu Yunrong was speechless.
Gu Yunrong originally had a lot to say, but now those words were stuck in her throat, as if something was stuffed into her chest, making it difficult to describe her feelings.
!
It was as if something was off track, or something had been taken away.
"Grandma is very angry." Gu Yunrong half-closed her eyes and quickly adjusted her emotions. She said gently, "I originally wanted to plead for mercy for Big Sister yesterday, but… Grandma is very angry."
Her tone was perfectly controlled, revealing just the right amount of helplessness when she deliberately emphasized Madam's anger.
The winter morning was silent. A hint of light appeared on the eastern horizon, soaking into the gloomy sky.
In the warm pavilion, Gu Yanfei and Gu Yunzhen were in the shadows of the pavilion, as if they were still drunk. Outside the warm pavilion, Gu Yunrong was draped in the halo of the morning sun, shining brightly.
Silence spread.
Seeing that Gu Yunzhen was silent, Gu Yunrong asked seriously, "Big Sister, do you have a lover?"
She stared at Gu Yunzhen without blinking.
Gu Yanfei, who was drinking tea, frowned slightly. Juan Bi immediately understood and raised her hand to clap twice. The round-faced maidservant and an old woman who was originally in the backyard retreated.
As if a cold wind had entered her collar, Gu Yunzhen's eyes widened in shock. She immediately woke up from her hangover.
She quickly shook her head and looked straight into Gu Yunrong's eyes. Her expression was slightly stiff as she said, "No."
Gu Yunrong said sincerely, "Big Sister, if you have a lover, I'll support you in pursuing your own happiness."
"But if not…"
"Why are you breaking off the engagement at this point?!"
As she spoke, Gu Yunrong looked at the other person in the pavilion with a distant gaze.
She didn't criticize Gu Yanfei directly. There was still a friendly smile on her lips, and her eyes flashed with understanding.
She quietly looked into Gu Yanfei's eyes with certainty, as if to say that Gu Yanfei had instigated Gu Yunzhen to break off the engagement behind her back.
Gu Yunrong composed herself and continued, "Big Sister, I know that the Murong family was too hasty in 'rushing joy', and that the wedding date is a little rushed, but I've asked around. Murong Yong is young and talented. He's still at his peak and has already made many military contributions. Although he's not the eldest son of the first wife, he's far better than his brother. No matter what, he's a good match for you."
"Big Sister shouldn't have said no to the marriage."
Gu Yunrong's tone remained gentle without any reprimand.
"…" Gu Yunzhen remained silent, her cherry lips pursed even tighter.
Gu Yunrong sighed softly and helplessly. "I know Big Sister and I have been estranged recently, but I still have to say what needs to be said."
"I don't want you to regret it for the rest of your life."
Gu Yunrong's heart was filled with all kinds of emotions.
A brown sparrow spread its wings and flew past Gu Yunrong. It stopped briskly beside Gu Yunzhen and pecked at the remaining pastry on the stone table.
Seeing this scene, Gu Yunrong's eyes glazed over.
Her eldest cousin, Gu Yunzhen, had been a gentle and virtuous person since she was young. Both the elders and her cousins liked her and even those small animals were willing to get close to her.
In Gu Yunrong's heart, Gu Yunzhen was like the daughter of a wealthy family described in books. She was the "perfect" elder sister in the world.
However, ever since Gu Yanfei returned, Gu Yunzhen had quietly changed. She was no longer the person Gu Yunrong had known in the past.
Gu Yunrong took a step up the stone steps of the pavilion and took another step closer to Gu Yunzhen, as if she wanted to see the girl with a smudged face in the pavilion more clearly.
The sparrow on the stone table flapped away in shock, two broken feathers falling from its wings.
Looking at the two damaged feathers that were leaning against each other, Gu Yunrong felt a wave of emotions. After more than ten years of sisterhood, she couldn't just watch Gu Yunzhen take a wrong turn.
She advised gently, "Big Sister, don't be rash. You're not such a person."
Gu Yunrong was looking at Gu Yunzhen, but Gu Yanfei was looking at Gu Yunrong. Or rather, she was looking at Gu Yunrong's luck.
The luck around her was still as vigorous as ever. The golden energy had a hint of gray in it. It bared its fangs and brandished its claws, spreading tentacles that slowly wrapped around Gu Yunzhen.
Gu Yanfei put down the teacup in her hand and her eyes narrowed.
"Not such a person?" Gu Yanfei smiled faintly, as if she was mocking her or finding it funny. She asked calmly, "Gu Yunrong, in your heart, what kind of person should Big Sister be?"
To Gu Yunrong, Gu Yanfei's question sounded like a provocation or she was looking for trouble. She originally wanted to ignore it, but on second thought, she changed her mind.
"Big Sister." Gu Yunrong was still staring at Gu Yunzhen. She wasn't answering Gu Yanfei, but talking to Gu Yunzhen. "Big Sister is filial, quiet, knowledgeable, and understanding."
With every word she said, the vigorous golden aura around her extended an additional thin tentacle and greedily intertwined with the white light on Gu Yunzhen's body, as if it was absorbing nutrients.
However, only Gu Yanfei could see this scene.
This was… Gu Yanfei held her cheek with one hand and looked at the two of them leisurely, but an abnormally bright glint flashed across her eyes.
In an instant, it was as if a bolt of lightning had struck her heart.
She suddenly felt enlightened and understood many things that she hadn't understood in the past. This understanding gave her mixed feelings.
She had never realized that Gu Yunzhen was the most suitable elder sister the heavens had arranged for Gu Yunrong.
Gu Yanfei sighed in her heart, as if a fishbone was stuck in her throat.
Heaven's Will really favored Gu Yunrong to the point of giving her everything: her family, her elders, her eldest brother and sister… and her future husband.
Gu Yunzhen seemed to exist for Gu Yunrong.
In her previous life, Gu Yunzhen was disfigured because of Gu Yunrong, causing her to wither prematurely and be depressed for the rest of her life.
Gu Yunzhen had never been lucky since she was young. If she didn't want to protect Gu Yunrong, she would have her luck sucked away by Gu Yunrong.
...
In fact…
If Gu Yunzhen deviated from Gu Yunrong's thoughts at all, Heaven's Will would correct it.
The chain binding Gu Yunzhen not only came from the family, but also from Heaven's Will!
212 Giving Up
Gu Yanfei looked at the compass beside her and suddenly understood why the Murong family had chosen Gu Yunzhen to "rush joy".
Not only was Gu Yunzhen's birth characters light, her body and soul were also weak. It was easy for her to encounter evil spirits. Therefore, her luck was the easiest to plunder, and she was the most suitable candidate.
"Enough." Gu Yunzhen interrupted Gu Yunrong. Her expression was still as gentle as ever. "Third Sister, I'm already of age."
According to the customs of the Great Jin Dynasty, coming of age meant that a woman had reached adulthood.
"I've already decided."
The last words were soft but firm.
There was silence.
Gu Yunrong's eyes widened slightly, and her smile froze on her face. She looked at Gu Yunzhen with disappointment, shock, and a faint sigh. "Big Sister, you disappoint me!"
As soon as she finished speaking, the golden luck around Gu Yunrong surged even more violently, entangling Gu Yunzhen like spewing magma.
Even the light of the rising sun paled in comparison to her luck.
Gu Yunzhen's pupils dilated, and there was a hint of confusion in her eyes. Her fair hand gripped the handkerchief tightly.
"Don't always say that you're disappointed. Who do you think you are!" Gu Yanfei's cold voice sounded again. Her lips pursed into a mocking smile, and her tone was both direct and sharp. "Do you want to control her, or do you want to step on her?"
"Take care of yourself!"
What was wrong with Gu Yunrong? Why did she have to knead others like clay?!
"…" Gu Yunrong frowned slightly. She felt that Gu Yanfei was simply ridiculous. Or perhaps she could not bear to see others doing well.
Gu Yanfei had thought that if Gu Yunzhen couldn't marry Murong Yong, it would be very difficult for her to find another similar marriage.
Gu Yunzhen would only regret it for the rest of her life if she really rushed joy.
In this world, rules were much stricter on women than on men. Other than getting married, Gu Yunzhen had no other way out.
Unlike Gu Yunrong!
Gu Yanfei's eyes were calm, and her dark eyes were like a vast galaxy. She captured Gu Yunrong's transcendence and superiority again.
The other party's gaze seemed to be saying that she was different from the others, as if she knew that she was the favored child of the heavens and the daughter of luck!
Gu Yanfei was deep in thought as she continued clearly, "Gu Yunzhen isn't your big sister."
"Her surname is Gu."
"What's your last name? Do you need me to remind you?"
"If you want your ideal eldest sister, go to Huaibei. Your biological cousin is there."
"Your biological father and brother are also there."
"Don't look for your family in our Gu family."
As Gu Yanfei spoke, her tone was flat. She looked around and seemed casual but carefree, natural and beautiful.
"…" Gu Yunrong's face turned pale from Gu Yanfei's scolding. A rare sullen expression appeared on her face. She was embarrassed, angry, and anxious.
To her, her dishonorable background was her weakness.
Every time this was mentioned, it was like a wound that had finally formed a scar had been torn open bloodily.
Gu Yanfei hid her right hand under the stone table and quickly drew a talisman in the air. Then, she pretended to pat Gu Yunzhen's back and patted the talisman on her body. A weak stream of light flashed and entered Gu Yunzhen's body without anyone noticing.
Sensing Gu Yanfei's hand gently caressing her back, Gu Yunzhen's slightly dazed eyes instantly became firm again, and her gaze was as clear as water.
"Third Sister, this is my life," Gu Yunzhen said seriously as she looked at Gu Yunrong, who was a few steps away.
This was her life. She should be the one to decide, not the one to be kidnapped by someone else's words.
Gu Yanfei also smiled.
She saw that the white luck around Gu Yunzhen, which had long dimmed, became richer at this moment. The golden aura around her quickly retreated as if it had been electrocuted.
It was as if something had completely severed the connection between Gu Yunrong and Gu Yunzhen.
"…" Gu Yunrong looked at Gu Yunzhen in a daze. Her heart was extremely cold and disappointed.
Gu Yunzhen was no longer the big sister she knew.
Since that was the case, she wouldn't persuade her anymore.
"Suit yourself," Gu Yunrong spat out. Without hesitation, she turned around and left.
She was a little distracted and forgot that there were stone steps beside the pavilion. Suddenly, her feet missed a step and she fell forward.
213 Giving Up
Her wide cloak fluttered in the morning breeze, like a butterfly falling from a flower.
"My Lady, be careful?!" Xia Lian exclaimed with a pale face. She hurriedly tried to help Gu Yunrong up.
The food box in her hand fell to the ground. It fell open, spilling pastries onto the floor.
Her sharp voice shot into the sky, shattering the morning silence. Several birds flew in fear.
!
However, Xia Lian was still a step too late. Gu Yunrong had already knelt on the ground. Her forehead happened to hit the stone block beside her, making a loud thud sound.
"My Lady, your forehead…" As Xia Lian helped Gu Yunrong up from the ground, she looked at her forehead with heartache. The left corner of Gu Yunrong's forehead was swollen red from the impact of the stone block.
Gu Yunrong's hair had also become slightly messy from the fall. A few strands of hair fell to her temples.
Gu Yunzhen couldn't help but stand up and look in Gu Yunrong's direction. She was relieved to see that she was fine.
"Let's go." Gu Yunrong left with Xia Lian's help. She didn't look back at Gu Yunzhen.
As she watched her leave, Gu Yanfei tilted her face slightly as if she had understood something.
Gu Yunrong was the daughter of the heavens and was favored by Heaven's Will. Anyone who harmed Gu Yunrong would be counterattacked by the heavens. Even if she had only pushed Gu Yunrong's golden aura away from Gu Yunzhen last time, her hand had been scalded red.
Therefore, Gu Yanfei knew that she couldn't fight Gu Yunrong head-on.
The talisman she had drawn on Gu Yunzhen's back wasn't an offensive talisman. It was just a calming talisman.
The purpose of this calming talisman was to make Gu Yunzhen's faith stronger and protect her heart from external forces.
In other words, Gu Yunzhen was no longer the "most ideal" elder sister in Gu Yunrong's heart.
Gu Yanfei raised her eyebrows and muttered almost silently, "When Big Sister was four years old, she was playing with Gu Yunrong when the two of them fell down the steps. Big Sister served as a sacrificial victim and injured her forehead in place of Gu Yunrong…"
Gu Yunrong had "given up" on Gu Yunzhen.
Gu Yunzhen would no longer block disasters for her.
In fact, the disasters that Gu Yunzhen had blocked for her in the past should be returned one by one.
Even if Gu Yunrong was favored by the heavens, she would probably be unlucky for a while.
How interesting!
Gu Yanfei smiled and looked to the east with a raised chin.
In the sky, the red sun had just risen slowly from the horizon.
The first rays of the morning sun shone gently on the ground, almost illuminating the entire capital.
Including the Murong family in the north of the city.
The first rays of sunlight shone through the hazy window paper into the old lady's room. The green-robed maidservant, who was keeping watch, opened her eyes in a daze and realized that it was dawn.
The maidservant yawned sleepily and subconsciously looked at the window. She sighed at another maidservant in blue. "Sister Hai Tang, the sun is so bright today."
The maidservant in blue was also dozing off just now. She rubbed her eyes with a handkerchief and said vaguely, "Yes, it's a sunny day… Eh? There's actually sunlight in this house today?"
She looked belatedly toward the sunlit window.
Then they looked at each other.
It was unknown if it was because the house was facing down badly or if the trees outside were blocking the sunlight, but this room never got sunlight and was unusually dim.
"Aiya, it's already half past five." The maidservant looked at the pot and quickly got up from the bed. "We have to wash Old Madam's face and turn her over."
Old Madam Murong was bedridden all year round. The doctors had instructed that in order to prevent the patient from developing bedsores, they had to help the patient turn over every hour.
The maidservant in blue also hurriedly stood up. The two of them were extremely skilled in taking care of Old Madam Murong. They first washed her face with warm water, then worked together to turn her over and pat her back.
The maidservant gently patted the old lady's neck twice. When her gaze swept across the other party's neck, her expression changed drastically. She pointed at the back of the other party's neck with trembling fingers and said, "Sister Hai Tang, take a look… What's this?"
Dark purple spots had appeared from the back of Old Madam Murong's neck to her back. The small ones were about the size of copper coins, and the big ones were almost the size of a fist. On the old woman's almost dead skin, it was a shocking sight.
"This… this can't be a bedsore, right?" the maidservant in blue asked in a trembling voice, but a voice in her heart said, 'No, this isn't a bedsore. It's more like… livor mortis.'
The little maidservant was scared out of her wits. If anything happened to Old Madam Murong, the two of them wouldn't be able to answer.
"I'll go ahead and report to Master and Madam now." The little maidservant ran out of the inner room like a gust of wind. She roughly lifted the thick curtain and threw it down, causing it to rustle in midair.
Thus, the day in the Murong residence began with noisy chaos.
Today was originally the day the Gu family sent the dowry over. The Murong family had been preparing for it long ago. Everywhere in the residence was decorated with lanterns and decorations. Even Shangqing Spiritual Master had been invited over early in the morning.
Eldest Master Murong Hao and his wife were entertaining Shangqing Spiritual Master in the hall of the outer courtyard. After hearing the maidservant's report, they welcomed him to Old Madam Murong's courtyard.
As soon as she entered the inner room, Shangqing Spiritual Master frowned and felt that something was wrong.
It was too bright here!
He didn't look at Old Madam Murong on the couch. Instead, he looked straight at a window and moved the silver-white horsetail whisk in his hand.
Shangqing Spiritual Master walked towards the window with light steps. His yellow sleeved robe fluttered with his footsteps, making him look like an immortal.
He pointed his horsetail whisk at a talisman on the window and asked indifferently, "Why is one missing from this window?"
214 Borrowing Life
Murong Hao and his wife looked at each other silently with embarrassed expressions.
Last night, Murong Hao had personally torn off a talisman from the window to play with the cat.
Now that he thought about it, Murong Hao was still a little confused. On the one hand, he didn't understand why his brain stopped working, but on the other hand, he felt that he hadn't done anything wrong.
What was wrong with such a good-looking kitten wanting to play with a talisman? Which kitten wasn't playful!
!
However, facing the spiritual master's question, the couple didn't dare to tell the truth. Madam Murong could only say hesitantly, "Maybe it was blown away by the night wind."
There was silence in the room for a moment, and the atmosphere was awkward.
"Spiritual master, please take a look at my mother first?" Murong Hao quickly changed the topic and asked worriedly, "Can she be saved?"
Old Madam Murong, who was on the bed, was placed back in her lying position. She was barely breathing.
Her face was even paler, and her lips were faintly a dull purple color. Even her wrists and the backs of her hands were beginning to show dark purple scars.
Shangqing Spiritual Master flicked his silver horsetail whisk again. With a hint of pity and transcendence, he walked to the bed and glanced at Old Madam Murong from head to toe. He sighed and said, "The Old Madam of your family is already on the verge of death."
He meant that she was dying.
The two maidservants who served the old lady trembled and lowered their heads with pale faces. If anything happened to Old Madam Murong…
Madam Murong's expression changed drastically and she hurriedly asked, "Spiritual master, do you have any other way to save my mother-in-law?"
Murong Hao also stared at Shangqing Spiritual Master without blinking. His entire body was tense, and his pupils were filled with abnormally complicated emotions. There was nervousness, unease, sorrow, and a hint of fear.
"Forget it, just prepare to send her off," Shangqing Spiritual Master said as he strolled towards the big table in front of the window.
His servant immediately took out talismans, brushes, and special talisman ink and placed them on the big table. At the same time, Madam Murong dismissed all the servants in the house.
The house was silent except for the sound of the remaining talismans by the window rustling in the wind.
Shangqing Spiritual Master dipped his brush in ink and drew an extremely complicated new talisman like flowing water. Then, he instructed his servant to slap the talisman on Old Madam Murong's chest.
The talisman seemed to have come to life. Ripples appeared on the talisman paper, making the winding runes on it exude a strange and mysterious aura.
Murong Hao and his wife stared at the old lady on the bed with bated breaths.
In the next moment, Old Madam Murong's breathing visibly became clearer, and her nose twitched slightly.
Her eyes were still closed, and her eyeballs trembled under her eyelids. The corners of her wrinkled mouth were pursed in a stiff arc, as if she were in inhuman pain.
"This talisman can protect her heart meridians and temporarily protect her lifespan for six hours," Shangqing Spiritual Master said slowly, his expression emotionless.
Murong Hao and his wife heaved a sigh of relief when they heard the first half of the sentence. However, when they heard the second half, their hearts skipped a beat.
Thinking that Shangqing Spiritual Master should have a backup plan, Murong Hao bowed respectfully to him and asked, "Please guide us."
Shangqing Spiritual Master didn't look at the couple and didn't speak. He looked out of the window at the rising sun and calculated with his fingers.
The faint morning light outside the window illuminated half of his face. The other half was hidden in the shadows in the corner, making his temperament deep and unfathomable.
A few leaves were blown in by the morning breeze, but they automatically bypassed Shangqing Spiritual Master.
After a while, he lowered his eyes, put down his right hand, and said calmly, "My believers, the only solution now is to get the Second Young Master of your residence to get married immediately today and consummate to rush joy. Then, use the blood of the bride's first night to borrow her lifespan."
"In that case, Old Madam Murong can hold on for another three years."
His tone was neutral and unhurried. As he spoke, he exuded the detachment of an otherworldly expert, and his wise eyes were calm.
Marriage today?! Murong Hao and his wife looked at each other in shock. Then, they looked troubled.
Yesterday, they had just agreed with the Gu family that Murong Yong and Gu Yunzhen would be married on New Year's Eve. Today was the day the Gu family would send their dowry.
The Gu family was easy to talk to, and they had already agreed to "rush joy". If they brought the wedding date forward at the last minute…
"That's too rushed…" Murong Hao said with difficulty. He was really not sure if the Gu family would agree.
Shangqing Spiritual Master casually flicked his sleeves. His sleeves fluttered, and he looked sage-like. He faced the couple, his eyes shining with an abnormally bright light.
He continued, "I've just read the fortune. In three years, the Second Young Master of your residence will definitely make a name for himself!"
"Whether it happens or not is up to the two of you to decide. I'm an outsider, I'm just doing my best."
Murong Hao and his wife could no longer listen to the last sentence of Shangqing Spiritual Master. They looked at each other again with burning eyes. As long as they thought of the words "make a name for himself", their blood would boil with desire.
All their efforts at this moment would be worth it!
Three years was all it took. As long as Old Madam Murong held on for three more years, their Murong family could rise!
Murong Hao extended his hand respectfully and piously to Shangqing Spiritual Master. "Please sit in the central room first and allow me to discuss it with my family."
Then, the couple sent Shangqing Spiritual Master out of the inner room to the central room outside, leaving Madam Murong and a housekeeper to entertain him for the time being. Murong Hao went to the outer courtyard to discuss this matter with his two younger brothers.
In fact, the three brothers hadn't discussed it for long. They had been holding on for months and had finally held on until now. There was no way they would give up just like that.
Hence, after half an hour, Madam Murong personally prepared a cart of heavy gifts and rushed to the Dingyuan Marquis Household.
It was still early in the morning.
As she was going to worship her ancestors today, Madam Gu woke up earlier than usual.
Unexpectedly, the Murong family would suddenly visit at this time, so she asked Granny Li to invite them to the Benevolent Harmony Hall.
"Madam, forgive me for visiting without informing you. It's really urgent."
"This morning, my Old Madam was in a bad state again. My family specially invited Shangqing Spiritual Master to take a look at her again. He said that if we want to save Old Madam Murong's life, we have to hurry up and rush joy."
"I also know it's presumptuous of me to ask Madam to bring forward the wedding of the two children to today."
Madam Murong lowered her posture, afraid that the Gu family would be unwilling.
"…" Madam Gu's expression didn't look good.
The Murong family had repeatedly brought forward the wedding date. They were really pushing their luck and didn't take the Gu family seriously.
...
However, when she thought of Gu Yunzhen's disobedience yesterday, Madam Gu's eyes flickered and her expression darkened. Her fingers slowly twisted the prayer beads, weighing the pros and cons.
215 Different
After a short moment of silence, Madam Gu agreed. Her words were righteous and considerate, expressing her gratitude to the juniors of the Murong family for their filial piety. She also said that the Gu family also ruled the family with filial piety.
Madam Murong didn't expect things to go so smoothly and was overjoyed.
She thanked Madam Gu again and again, saying that she would immediately arrange the marriage when she returned to the residence. She promised to ask Shangqing Spiritual Master to calculate the auspicious time to welcome the bride before noon.
After they left, only Madam Gu was left sitting at the head of the table in the hall.
!
Granny Li glanced at the pot and wanted to ask if Madam Gu was going to set up the meal. However, before she could say anything, she saw a figure in a purple cloak walking over from the courtyard outside.
Madam Gu also saw Gu Yunrong outside the house and couldn't help but reveal a gentle and loving smile.
After Gu Yunrong bowed, she intimately pulled Gu Yunrong to her side and said with a smile, "Rong'er, didn't I tell you not to come this morning?"
"Grandma, are you annoyed with me?" Gu Yunrong pouted. Her tone was intimate and playful, with a hint of coquettishness.
"Of course not! Grandma can't wait for you to come often." Madam Gu felt very pleased. She patted the back of Gu Yunrong's hand and sighed affectionately. "You're still the most filial child. You always think of me."
"Grandma treats me well, so of course I miss you." Gu Yunrong leaned her head intimately on Madam Gu's shoulder.
After returning from Yuheng Garden, Gu Yunrong felt very uneasy.
In just over two months, she had already lost her big brother and big sister. She had lost everything she had.
Gu Yunrong had never felt so uneasy, not even the moment her background was revealed…
Her heart was in a mess, so she came to the Benevolent Harmony Hall.
Feeling the warmth from Madam Gu, Gu Yunrong felt relieved, as if her floating heart had found a home.
That's right, Madam was different from them.
She wouldn't alienate herself because of blood ties. In the Gu family, she was the only one who doted on her as a granddaughter.
Gu Yunrong rubbed against Madam Gu's shoulder coquettishly. The bangs on her forehead parted with this action, revealing the bump on her forehead that was as red as a walnut. It was a shocking sight on her fair skin.
"My darling, why is your forehead injured?" Madam Gu's heart ached. She said with concern, "Come, let Grandma take a look."
She studied Gu Yunrong's face carefully and realized that she looked unhappy, as if she was hiding something.
Gu Yunrong raised her hand to cover the wound on her forehead with her bangs and smiled as if nothing had happened. "Grandma, it's fine. I accidentally bumped into something this morning."
Madam Gu frowned slightly and felt that Gu Yunrong was hiding something.
"Was it Gu Yanfei?"
Madam Gu asked bluntly. She knew that Gu Yanfei was the only one in the residence who would make things difficult for Gu Yunrong.
Gu Yunrong didn't say anything. She just leaned against Madam Gu quietly with her eyes half-lowered, looking a little delicate.
Madam Gu's heart ached even more when she saw this. She gently stroked Gu Yunrong's back with one hand and regretted it again. She shouldn't have brought her back. Now, there was no peace in the family just because she had tried to rectify her mistake.
Gu Yunrong leaned against Madam Gu affectionately. After a moment, she said gently, "Grandma, if Big Sister is unwilling to rush joy, why don't we forget about it?"
The maidservant serving in the room looked at Madam Gu nervously, thinking that she would be angry.
Madam Gu was stunned and instantly understood. So that was how it was. It was because of Gu Yunzhen that Rong'er was injured.
She sighed slightly. "You've always loved your sisters. Good child."
"However, this matter is for your Big Sister's sake. Although your Big Sister's marriage will be rushed, once she gets married, the Murong family will definitely remember her kindness. No one will surpass her in this life, and she'll have a good life in the future. Why lose all of that over a moment of stubbornness?"
Madam Gu patted Gu Yunrong's hand again.
Meeting her loving eyes, Gu Yunrong nodded gently. The pearl earrings on her earlobe fluttered slightly, making her eyes flicker.
She sighed faintly in her heart. Yes, why didn't Big Sister understand such a simple logic?
Big Sister was different.
Seeing Gu Yunrong's obedient appearance, Madam Gu's expression softened a little. Her eyes lit up as she said, "Second Young Master Murong has already entered the Divine Arms Battalion. With him around, he can help Kang Wang in the future."
"Rong'er, don't worry. Your marriage with Kang Wang will definitely go smoothly."
Gu Yunrong hummed in response. Her eyelashes were lowered, revealing a hint of shyness.
She told herself that she didn't need Big Sister to sacrifice herself for her. With Chu You around, the Murong family would definitely not mistreat Big Sister in the future.
This was good for Big Sister.
She felt that she had a clear conscience towards her Big Sister.
After accompanying Madam Gu for breakfast in the Benevolent Harmony Hall, Gu Yunrong helped her to the ancestral hall.
The two of them chatted and laughed along the way, and she coaxed Madam Gu until she couldn't stop laughing.
They arrived a little late. Most of the others in the various rooms of the Marquis Mansion were already waiting in the ancestral hall, dressed in sparkling jewelries. Some were chatting, some were talking about their children, and some were whispering amongst themselves…
Seeing Madam Gu arrive, everyone fell silent and went forward to welcome her.
Everyone surrounded Madam Gu like stars surrounding the moon as she walked into the front hall of the ancestral hall. At first glance, they were happy and harmonious.
Before entering the house, Xia Lian took off Gu Yunrong's cloak, revealing the primrose-colored skirt embroidered with a hundred butterflies.
The bright colors were eye-catching.
"Third Sister, your clothes are really beautiful!" The Fourth Lady, Gu Yunlan, intimately held Gu Yunrong's arm and said affectionately, "You're finally willing to leave Cai Ling Courtyard."
Ever since Mother Su was sent to the government, Gu Yunrong had been silent and almost never left the house.
Gu Yunlan had asked her out a few times to play, but she had rejected her politely. Gu Yunlan was disappointed for a long time, but there was nothing she could do.
"I've been copying Buddhist scriptures for my grandfather these past few days. I thought I could burn them for him on the day of the ancestral worship." Gu Yunrong snuggled intimately with Gu Yunlan. Her smile was sweet and amiable, like the refreshing wind in March.
"I'll be free tomorrow. We can go shopping and buy some New Year's things together."
She made Gu Yunlan laugh with just a few words. The other girls from the Gu family also chimed in, saying that they wanted to go shopping with Gu Yunrong and the others.
...
The girls laughed and the atmosphere was very harmonious.
Madam Gu looked at her smiling cousins and couldn't help but smile.
Her smiling gaze swept across Gu Yunrong and landed on Gu Yunzhen, who was sitting not far ahead.
Gu Yunzhen looked back with a smile. Her smile was gentle, and she was still as dignified and virtuous as usual.
The girl in front of her was clearly still the eldest granddaughter she had watched grow up. She had an ordinary appearance, an ordinary smile, and an ordinary temperament. However, for some reason, Madam Gu felt that something was different.
It was as if Gu Yunzhen had become a different person overnight.
"Madam."
Gu Yuan, who was sitting beside Gu Yanfei, interrupted Madam Gu's train of thoughts.
Everyone around them felt a subtle spark when Gu Yuan called her. In the past, Gu Yuan had always called Madam Gu "Grandma", but now, like Gu Yanfei, he had changed his address to "Madam".
Gu Yuan said coldly, "What did my sister do wrong? Madam wants to punish her by making her kneel in the ancestral hall?"
"If the residence can't accommodate the eldest branch, let's split up and live separately."
...
"In case Madam sends my sister to the Benevolent Silence Nunnery when I'm not around."
Gu Yuan's eyes were cold, emitting a proud confidence like a tall mountain. He was in high spirits and had a hint of danger.
216 As You Wish
Gu Yuan had been working in the palace last night and had just rushed back from the palace this morning. As soon as he returned to the residence, he learned from the servant, Wu Tong, that Gu Yanfei had been punished by Madam Gu to kneel in the ancestral hall.
Although his sister was smart and didn't suffer any losses, in the past two months, Madam had targeted his sister time and time again. She had simply gone too far.
Gu Yuan looked at Madam Gu with a gaze as cold as ice and as determined as a sword.
The entire front hall was silent. The others all looked at the grandfather and granddaughter in silence.
!
Gu Jian frowned and said in the tone of an elder, "Yuan'er, today is a big day to worship our ancestors. Don't throw a tantrum and cause trouble!"
"The elders do everything for your own good!"
He looked sincere and earnest.
Gu Yuan raised his eyebrows slightly, his eyes distant. He said coldly, "Is it good for you to tamper with the bowstring?"
What did he mean?! Most of the other Gu family members present didn't know about this and couldn't help but look at each other.
"…" Gu Jian's face turned green and he was speechless.
He wanted to say that Gu Yuan had misunderstood and wanted to brush this matter off, but Gu Yuan greeted him with a faint smile, "Marquis, has your arm recovered?"
As he spoke, Gu Yuan looked meaningfully at Gu Jian's injured arm, attracting the attention of the others.
Someone immediately remembered that the reason why Gu Jian's right arm seemed to be injured was because the rhinoceros horn bow had broken its string. However, from the meaning in Gu Yuan's words, could it be that this was not an "accident"? nove(l)bi(n.)com
Thinking of this, everyone looked at Gu Jian meaningfully with their own guesses.
"…" Gu Jian felt as if their gazes were piercing. His expression darkened even more, and he felt a dull pain from his right shoulder to his right arm.
Of course it had yet to recover!
Now that his injured arm was in a cast and his right forearm was hanging from his chest in a bandage, his appearance was tantamount to writing the words "I'm an injured person" on him. Anyone could tell that he hadn't recovered.
Gu Yuan was asking the obvious!
The more Gu Jian thought about it, the more displeased he became. He couldn't help but think more and more. He repeatedly thought about Gu Yuan's words and felt that there was a needle hidden in the cotton wool. Gu Yuan was clearly mocking him for deserving it.
In the past, Gu Yuan wouldn't have dared to be so rude to his uncle. This kid was just smug because he was now on guard duty!
Gu Jian gritted his teeth and assumed the posture of the Dingyuan Marquis. He raised his voice and reprimanded, "Yuan'er, you're so unruly and disobeyed your elders. Do you believe that I'll teach you a lesson…"
As he spoke, Gu Jian flew into a rage out of humiliation. He really felt embarrassed to be ridiculed by his nephew in front of his two brothers and a group of juniors.
However, before he could finish, Madam Gu interrupted him coldly.
"Enough."
Madam Gu's voice was neither loud nor soft, but it was powerful. At the same time, she gave Gu Jian a look, indicating for him to stop talking nonsense.
Gu Jian could only shut his mouth in embarrassment, though he was still unconvinced.
Gu Yuan didn't care about the argument between the mother and son. He casually brushed the non-existent dust off his shoulder and smiled mockingly.
"Madam, Marquis, you're really arrogant. One wants to send her granddaughter to the nunnery, and the other wants to harm his nephew…"
"Sister, are you scared?" Gu Yuan turned to look at Gu Yanfei seriously and even took out a new handkerchief for her. "Don't be afraid. I'm here."
Gu Yanfei cooperated and took the handkerchief from Gu Yuan. She pretended to wipe the corners of her eyes and nodded with sparkling eyes. "With Brother around, I'm not afraid."
Her voice was clear, and she looked as obedient as possible.
Gu Yuan enjoyed this very much and rubbed the top of her soft head.
The corners of Madam Gu's mouth twitched as she glanced back and forth between Gu Yanfei and Gu Yunzhen.
She was so far away, but she could already smell the alcohol on these two girls. They must have drunk a lot that night. Gu Yanfei was almost lawless, and she still had the cheek to say that she was "not afraid"!
This pair of siblings was clearly making use of the situation!
Gu Yanfei had no intention of bothering to hide the smell of alcohol. She continued to wipe the unnecessary tears from the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief, as if she was just wearing a perfume bag with a special smell.
The front room fell into a dead silence, the undercurrents surging.
Looking at the siblings, Gu Yuan and Gu Yanfei, Madam Gu's eyes darkened bit by bit. She gripped the prayer beads tightly with one hand.
217 As You Wish
Before the emperor sealed the brush, the Ministry of War had sent a transfer order to the Marquis Mansion. They said that Gu Jian's hand was injured and it was difficult for him to take on his original position, so they transferred him from the deputy commander of the Left Guard Army to the Left Guard Division.
Although the rank hadn't changed, the Left Guard Army was under one of the five military camps, while the Left Guard Division only protected the imperial mausoleum and didn't have any real power. It wasn't an exaggeration to say that they were sidelined.
Madam Gu had been distraught for several days because of this transfer order.
If this continued, the Marquis Mansion would probably continue to decline and become a declining Marquis Mansion with no real power.
Now, only Gu Yuan's job as a guard was considered decent. He had saved the Marquis Mansion's last layer of face.
At this moment, they definitely could not split up, let alone make the situation irreparable.
The silence lasted so long that the others subconsciously held their breaths, vaguely sensing a pre-storm oppression.
The eldest branch had been suppressed for eight years. Now that Gu Yuan had risen, the situation in the Marquis Mansion seemed to be changing.
In the end, Madam Gu was the first to break the silence. "Yuan'er, what do you want?"
She enunciated each word clearly. Her voice was calm and her words were clear but full of pressure.
"I want our branch to split from the family," Gu Yuan said coldly.
"Impossible," Madam Gu objected without hesitation. Her firm tone didn't allow anyone to question her.
This was her bottom line!
Gu Yuan looked straight at Madam Gu without avoiding her. His pupils were as quiet and cold as a frozen lake.
His stubborn attitude made Madam Gu feel a little uncertain. Gu Yuan had always been stubborn.
Hence, Madam Gu lowered herself and advised kindly, "Yuan'er, your parents are no longer around, but I'm still here."
"As long as your family is around, we won't split up. This is an unchanging principle. Which family in the capital isn't like this?"
"You and your second sister aren't even of age yet. How can you start your own family?"
Gu Yuan's eyes were cold, but his gaze remained unmoved. He recalled his father's teachings when he was still alive.
At that time, his father asked him, "Yuan'er, if you wanted to find someone who doesn't like you and ask for a sword, what would you do?"
He pumped his fist and replied, "Beat him up."
His father had chuckled and said, "What if you can't beat him?"
When he frowned and thought hard, his father taught him with a smile, "Just ask for all the other party's weapons and bargain step by step. Do you understand?"
At that time, Gu Yuan was only four or five years old and still didn't understand.
Now, he understood.
With his chin raised slightly in a cold arc, as if he was pondering, Gu Yuan said slowly, "It's fine if we don't split up."
"Then don't interfere in the matters of the eldest branch in the future."
"My sister's marriage will be decided by me, her biological brother, so that Madam won't casually arrange for my sister to be 'blessed' by some random person."
Gu Yanfei was slightly stunned.
She didn't expect Big Brother to cause such a scene today just for her.
Marriage was based on the orders of her parents. But since her parents had passed on, logically speaking, Madam was indeed qualified to decide her marriage.
Although to Gu Yanfei, if she was unwilling, no one in this world could force her.
However, Big Brother's thoughtfulness still warmed her heart. It was sweet, as if she had drunk sweet honey.
Madam Gu slowly looked away and suppressed the displeasure in her heart.
The hall fell silent again. Even a pin drop could be heard.
After thinking about it, Madam Gu forced out a word. "Okay."
"I promise you."
She finally managed to nod. She felt uncomfortable, as if something had escaped her palm.
She didn't like it.
Gu Jian's eyes widened. He instinctively wanted to object, but he was afraid of Madam Gu and shut his mouth in the end. His expression was as calm as water.
Gu Yuan snapped his fingers loudly. "Words are useless. Madam, please write a letter and sign it."
The word "rubbish" was already on Madam Gu's lips, but she still bit the tip of her tongue and swallowed it.
Gu Yuan didn't care about Madam Gu's reaction at all. He called his servant, Wu Tong, to fetch a piece of silk paper, brush, and ink and place them on the rosewood table.
"Madam, please." Gu Yuan extended his hand to Madam Gu for her to write the contract.
Madam Gu didn't like the feeling of being forced. She wished she could leave with a flick of her sleeve, but since things had already come to this, and she had already given in, she couldn't let everything go to waste now.
She was now like an arrow on a string that had to be fired.
The parasol tree at the side quickly ground the ink. A faint ink fragrance mixed with the surrounding sandalwood and candle incense.
Madam Gu swallowed and slowly walked to the table. She slowly picked up the brush and wrote.
The others were already dumbfounded by her stiff back.
No one expected things to develop in this direction.
After a while, Madam Gu finished writing the contract. Then, she signed it and printed her thumbprint on it.
Gu Yuan leaned over and looked at the contents of the book contract. He was quite satisfied.
He personally blew dry the ink on the silk paper and handed this book to Gu Yanfei. "Sister, keep it carefully."
Gu Yanfei nodded obediently and carefully folded the silk paper with a smile.
...
This was Big Brother's gift for her. She would keep it well… When she returned, she would frame it up!
Gu Yuan's smiling gaze shifted from Gu Yanfei to Gu Yunzhen and he said, "There's also Zhen'er's marriage…"
A strong dissatisfaction accumulated in Madam Gu's heart. At this moment, her surging anger finally erupted uncontrollably.
"Gu Yuan, don't push your luck!"
Madam Gu interrupted Gu Yuan angrily with a burning gaze.
She had already promised the Murong family that she would let Gu Yunzhen marry into the family today. There was no possibility of changing this matter.
Gu Yunzhen didn't want Gu Yuan to offend Madam Gu for her. She hurriedly tugged at his sleeve and shook her head silently.
"Big Brother," Gu Yanfei said with a smile, "Grandpa will decide Big Sister's marriage."
"Very soon."
Her words sounded meaningful.
...
218 Making the Call
There was an instant silence.
Everyone knew that the Old Marquis, Gu Xuan, had died 14 years ago. In the Gu family's ancestral hall, the Old Marquis' memorial tablet was worshiped.
How could the dead decide for Gu Yunzhen?!
Gu Jian frowned, feeling that this pair of siblings was simply ridiculous.
!
Gu Yuan actually didn't understand what his sister meant, but this didn't stop him from listening to her.
When facing outsiders, Gu Yuan was a proud wolf with a sharpness that could tear apart one's heart.
However, when he faced Gu Yanfei, he would retract his sharp claws and become her gentlest and most reliable brother.
He lowered his eyes and smiled gently at Gu Yanfei, his expression doting and tolerant.
His sister never spoke without thinking. She must have her reasons for saying so.
There was silence in the house for another moment. The air was oppressive and heavy, so heavy that it seemed to be dripping.
An old servant swallowed and carefully took a step closer to Madam Gu. She reported, "Madam, Marquis, the auspicious time has arrived." Updat𝒆d fr𝒐m nov𝒆lb(i)n.c(o)m
The old servant didn't dare to look at Madam Gu and Gu Jian's faces.
Madam Gu retracted her gaze from Gu Yuan and Gu Yanfei with a dark expression. Abnormally intense emotions surged in her eyes. There was anger, depression, embarrassment, and turbulence, but in the end, she suppressed them.
She cleared her throat and put on a serious expression. "Let's go, Marquis," she said indifferently, as if nothing had happened.
She took the lead and walked unhurriedly in the direction of the sacrificial hall.
At first glance, her expression was dignified and inviolable.
Everyone suppressed their complicated emotions and followed closely.
However, after the episode just now, a few of them were a little frustrated and couldn't calm down. They glanced at Gu Yuan and Gu Yanfei from time to time.
Soon, everyone surrounded Madam and Gu Jian as they passed through the front hall and entered the sacrificial hall at the back. The procession of worshippers was vast.
chapter 219 Making the Call
She endured it again and again because she thought that after her daughter married into the Murong family in the future, the Murong family would definitely not mistreat her on account of her kindness. But now, could this be called getting married?!
Even if someone else married a concubine, it would be more dignified than this!
Madam Yan's heart ached as she turned to look at Gu Yunzhen beside her with difficulty.
The girl's face was illuminated by the candlelight. Her skin was as porcelain as jade, and her face was unbelievably calm.
Even she couldn't let go of the Murong family's almost humiliating actions, let alone her daughter, who was involved. She was only 16 years old, but she was forced to have a calm heart that only existed at 60 years old… Her heart was like dead ashes.
Her daughter shouldn't be like this!
Her daughter, who had been raised like a treasure, shouldn't be trampled on like this!
This thought was like a dagger stabbing into Madam Yan's heart, making it hurt even more.
Her eyes turned sour and she blurted out, "Zhen'er, if you really don't want to, you don't have to get married."
After the words left her mouth, she realized that her voice was choked and hoarse.
"Mother?" Gu Yunzhen looked at Madam Yan in shock. Ripples seemed to appear in her gentle willow eyes.
Beyond the shock, she was touched and happy.
Yesterday, her mother had clearly helped her grandmother persuade her…
But now, her mother had chosen to stand on her side. The reason why she didn't hesitate to go against her grandmother was naturally to protect her!
Mother and daughter looked at each other, their eyes glistening with tears.
The others around subconsciously held their breaths. The soft-hearted girls didn't dare to look at Madam Gu's expression at all.
Madam Gu's expression instantly turned ugly.
The anger in her heart surged again, and even her graceful face twisted slightly.
"Enough!" Madam Gu said sternly, her voice low and deep.
"If she doesn't marry, she'll be a nun."
She looked straight at Madam Yan with a cold gaze. Every word and sentence was so cold that ice was about to fall out.
Madam Yan's lifeline was her daughter. Her face immediately turned pale and she wilted like a frosted eggplant, unable to say anything.
With Madam Yan's understanding of Madam Gu, she would dare to say and do it.
How could Madam Yan dare to risk her daughter's future? How could she bear to see her daughter become a nun at such a young age?
Madam Yan's body was trembling slightly, but Gu Yunzhen, who was beside her, was as straight as a bamboo in the cold wind. She didn't care about Madam Gu's threat and her expression was still calm.
She had the support of her mother, eldest brother, and second sister. Her family was all by her side, what did she have to fear?!
"Mother, I…" Gu Yunzhen opened her mouth slightly. She wanted to say that she wouldn't marry even if she had to be a nun, but she felt her sleeve tighten.
She looked down and saw Gu Yanfei quietly pulling her sleeve and shaking it. Gu Yunlan, who was in front of her, happened to block Gu Yanfei's small actions.
"Madam, didn't I just say?" Gu Yanfei walked to Gu Yunzhen's side with a smile. "Grandpa will decide on Big Sister's marriage."
The others beside her subconsciously took a step to the sides to make way for her.
"It just so happens that Grandpa is here. Let's ask him what he thinks."
Gu Yanfei's voice was cold and low, but it resounded through the entire sacrificial hall and clearly entered everyone's ears.
Gu Yanfei looked up at the memorial tablet in front of her with the name of the Old Marquis, Gu Xuan, and said seriously, "Grandpa, I'm your granddaughter, Yanfei. I greeted you last night."
"Madam and the Marquis want Big Sister to rush joy and get married. Grandpa, do you agree?" Gu Yanfei asked seriously.
"Nonsense," Gu Jian couldn't help but reprimand.
"Tuk, tuk…"
As soon as he finished speaking, a strange sound came from ahead, as if refuting Gu Jian's words.
"Tuk, tuk…"
The sound continued and grew louder.
Everyone fell silent. Their gazes surged over like a tide, looking for the memorial tablet of the old Marquis of Dingyuan, Gu Xuan, in the second row of the incense tablet.
Under the heavy candlelight, the dark red memorial tablet swayed like a sieve on the incense table. It repeatedly made "tuk, tuk" sounds that became heavier.
In the sacrificial hall filled with memorial tablets, this sound was abnormally strange.
Gu Yanfei sighed faintly. She spread her hands and sighed. "Do you see that? Grandpa is here to stand up for Big Sister."
When she said that, everyone felt their hair stand on end and subconsciously looked around.
The young girls looked around, the hair on their necks standing on end, as if the Old Marquis was secretly watching all of them in another way.
Gu Yuan tacitly echoed Gu Yanfei, "I think Grandpa is angry!"
"That's true. The residence snatched my job to give it to Murong Yong. Not only that, but they also want to give Zhen'er to their family to rush joy!"
"No wonder Grandpa is angry."
As Gu Yuan spoke, the knocking sounds were endless.
The Old Marquis Gu Xuan's memorial tablet continued to ring and sway back and forth. The rhythm became more and more urgent, forming a sharp contrast with the other memorial tablets around him.
There was clearly no wind in the house, but the clusters of candles on the candlesticks on both sides swayed slightly, crisscrossing with light and shadow.
This scene was too ghostly.
Gu Jian's face was pale, and his facial features flickered in the candlelight, making him look uneasy. He couldn't help but think, 'Could it be that my father is really up in the sky and wants to say something to them?'
"The memorial tablet moves without wind." Gu Yanfei sighed. Her clear voice was as cold as the autumn wind.
"Grandfather doesn't agree."
Chapter 220 Substitute
The rest of the Gu family were a little frightened. A few girls leaned against each other and looked around carefully.
Two other four or five-year-old children couldn't help but scream and cry.
The child was still young, so as a mother, her heart naturally ached. She hurriedly hugged the child and coaxed and caressed him.
Most of them wanted to leave. After all, this was the matter of the third branch and had nothing to do with the fourth and fifth branches. However, they were still worried that Madam was still around. After hesitating for a while, they didn't dare to leave.
Fourth Master Gu and Fifth Master Gu exchanged glances. They didn't dare to say anything to Madam Gu, so they turned towards Gu Jian.
"Second Brother, is Father really angry?" Fourth Master Gu asked hesitantly.
Gu Jian was already panicking.
At this moment, being questioned by his two concubine brothers in public, his face instantly felt hot and embarrassed.
"Shut up!" Gu Jian's face was ashen as he reprimanded them like an elder brother. "It's just a trick to scare you. You're all useless."
With Gu Jian's shout, the two children, who had finally stopped crying, started crying again. They were about to overturn the roof.
Fourth Master Gu and Fifth Master Gu's expressions didn't look too good either. They knew very well that Gu Jian was venting his anger.
Fifth Master Gu said awkwardly, "Second Brother, you're so loud. Be careful not to scare the child."
The surroundings were even more chaotic. A few girls were muttering to themselves, imitating Gu Yanfei's previous actions and introducing themselves to the ancestral tablet, as if this would give them a sense of security.
Madam Gu didn't seem to notice the commotion around her at all. She stared at the Old Marquis's memorial tablet in a daze.
Her fingers unconsciously exerted strength, almost crushing the prayer beads in her hand. She squeezed until her knuckles turned white.
"It's you, isn't it?" Gu Jian's sharp voice sounded again.
Gu Jian raised his intact left hand and pointed at Gu Yanfei, who was a few steps away. He said confidently, "Yesterday, you and Zhen'er knelt in the ancestral hall for the entire night. You must have taken the opportunity to do something to your grandfather's memorial tablet, right?!"
The more Gu Jian spoke, the more he felt that this was the case. His voice became higher and higher. He really wanted to punish this wild girl in front of his ancestors.
Gu Yanfei calmly curled a strand of hair on her chest with her fingers, but she smiled without saying anything.
In Gu Jian's opinion, this was tantamount to an admission and a silent provocation.
He wanted to teach Gu Yanfei a lesson and walked towards her in three steps.
But he'd only taken two steps when his left foot tripped over his right. He stumbled, lost his balance, and fell forward.
"Marquis!"
"Father!"
Madam Wang and the young masters and ladies of the second branch shouted in unison, but they didn't have time to help Gu Jian. They just watched as Gu Jian fell on the ground.
Gu Jian's right shoulder landed on the ground, adding to his injuries. He let out a miserable scream.
Gu Yanfei shook her head with a sigh. She rubbed her chin and sighed. "Ah, Grandpa is angry."
"Tuk, tuk, tuk…"
The memorial tablet in front of them was still vibrating. The monotonous sound made one feel vexed.
The veins on Gu Jian's forehead twitched, and the pain from his right shoulder distorted his face.
Madam Wang shouted with heartache, "Quick, help the Marquis up."
However, no one moved, and a single thought lingered in their hearts. Gu Xuan was probably really angry.
Madam Wang could only walk over and order her son to help Gu Jian up from the ground.
Gu Jian was embarrassed and angry. He had fallen in public and was seen as a joke by his two brothers and the others. This was like a slap to his face.
The pain in his right shoulder was getting stronger and stronger. It was so painful that he couldn't stand steadily, and could barely stand upright. Cold sweat dripped from his forehead.
He was the Marquis of Dingyuan and the head of the Gu family. Of course, he couldn't show weakness in front of everyone, let alone bear the title of "offending his late father".
Of course, he wasn't the one in the wrong. It was his nephew and niece!
"You guys have really disappointed me!" Gu Jian used all his strength to barely finish his sentence.
His voice grew louder, as if that would make more sense.
"Zhen'er, you weren't like this in the past. Why are you so selfish now? Your grandfather doted on you so much when he was still alive, but you actually tampered with his memorial tablet. How can your grandfather rest in peace in heaven?!"
"And you, Gu Yanfei, you're just a troublemaker. Isn't it enough that you almost ruined your third sister's marriage? Now, you're even going to ruin your eldest sister's marriage?!"