Gu Xu returned to the Gu residence in silence, accompanied by the family servants, without uttering a word along the way.
Upon arriving at the Gu residence, she showed no concern for her parents’ injuries and dismissed the servants.
She entered her room alone. The courtyard was filled with maids selected by the wretched girls around Gu Qinghan. On the surface, they appeared respectful and dutiful, but in reality, they held no regard for her.
Whenever she went to the accounting office to withdraw silver, they would admonish her, saying things like the Gu family’s accounts had always been clear and orderly, and that she shouldn’t mess them up by withdrawing funds arbitrarily.
“Hah.”
Gu Xu sneered, pulling out the letter from her bosom. Her face twisted slightly with a smile as she carefully examined the contents of the letter.
“In two days…”
Gu Qinghan, your good days are about to end.
And Xiao Yinghuai, you won’t escape either.
Eastern Palace, Study.
“Your Highness, our informant planted in the Grand Prince’s camp has sent word that the Grand Prince has been in contact with envoys from the Western Regions and plans to meet them at Yong’an Tower the day after tomorrow.”
Ye Muyan responded with an indifferent “hmm,” sitting steadily at the desk as he flipped through another memorial.
The spy continued, “This matter is of great importance. We have an opportunity to take down the Grand Prince in one fell swoop.”
Ye Muyan still seemed unconcerned. “Handle it as you see fit.”
Seeing that His Highness paid no heed, the spy grew anxious. “The informant stationed near Miss Han has also reported that Miss Han plans to go to Yong’an Tower in two days to deal with some trivial matters.”
Thud.
The memorial in Ye Muyan’s hand fell onto the desk. Only then did he look up and confirm with the spy.
“Is that true?”
“Miss Han has already sent someone to reserve a private room in the West Pavilion of Yong’an Tower and has selected the dishes for that day,” the spy hurriedly replied, fearing the Crown Prince might change his mind.
“Book a room where I can see Qingqing. If it’s already reserved, pay ten times, or even twenty times the price—just secure it.”
“Order the same dishes as well.”
A faint smile appeared on Ye Muyan’s face as he unexpectedly praised the spy, “Well done. You shall be rewarded.”
The spy quickly kowtowed in gratitude. “Thank you, Your Highness!” After paying his respects, he prepared to quietly withdraw.
Persuading His Highness still required invoking Miss Han—she was the golden key to His Highness’s heart.
Unexpectedly, Ye Muyan called him back. “Also, summon the Imperial Household Department to have a new set of clothes tailored immediately.”
“Yes!”
In two days, he would see Qingqing again—vibrant and real. A gentle yet frenzied expression appeared on Ye Muyan’s face. The sensation of holding her in his arms that day lingered, unforgettable.
He longed to touch that sweet and soft body once more, to kiss every inch of her delicate skin.
Qingqing…
Two days later.
Gu Qinghan watched as Gu Xu left the residence early in a carriage, carrying a considerable amount of silver notes—all previously taken from Gu Qinghan herself, now to be used in a plot against her.
How amusing.
Gu Qinghan instructed someone to prepare a carriage without the Gu family emblem. Meanwhile, Chun Tao went ahead to Yong’an Tower to prepare ice, along with the silk handkerchiefs, cushions, and incense burners that were commonly used…
In truth, Gu Qinghan’s naivety and delicacy had been nurtured bit by bit by those around her.
Even for a simple trip to a restaurant, Chun Tao had to arrange everything to ensure she felt not the slightest discomfort.
Gu Qinghan leaned against the inner wall of the carriage, idly toying with a round fan, her eyes downcast as if lost in thought.
“Young Miss, we’ve arrived at Yong’an Tower,” the servant outside the carriage announced as he reined in the horses.
She lifted the curtain to look and noticed Gu Xu’s carriage already parked at the side of the building, bearing a large “Gu” character hanging from it.
This Gu Xu is truly foolish, being so blatant as if afraid others wouldn’t notice. In truth, it’s still her inability to let go of vanity—even when going out, she must use the finest things.
Chun Tao greeted her at the entrance, whispering in her ear, “Miss, Gu Xu just entered the room next to ours and hasn’t ordered yet.”
After speaking, she gently helped her into the shop, signaling to the waiter that dishes could be served.
The two walked softly toward the private room, posting two guards at the door.
As they approached the elegant room, Gu Qinghan suddenly felt a scorching gaze firmly fixed on her, as if she had become the other’s prey.
Feeling uneasy, she turned to look around but saw nothing. Frowning, she thought she might be overly sensitive. She shook her head lightly and quickly entered the private room.
In another private room, Ye Muyan tightened his grip on the teacup.
Qingqing wore a goose-yellow gauze dress, similar to the bellyband from that day. Recalling the soft, fair body from that night, Ye Muyan savored the memory as he swallowed a mouthful of wine.
Like tender buds in early spring, fresh and delicate.
Her almond-shaped eyes slightly upturned, with thick, curly lashes—just looking at her evoked pity.
His Qingqing…
The hidden guard beside him, seeing Ye Muyan lost in thought, couldn’t help but cough loudly to remind the Crown Prince, “Your Highness, the eldest prince and Gu Xu have entered the same room. It seems the three of them are plotting something.”
Ye Muyan narrowed his phoenix eyes, his sword-like brows slightly raised, and his thin lips parted, “Gu Xu has actually colluded with the eldest prince? She has some skill.”
“Hold your position for now and wait for Qingqing’s move.”
Meanwhile, Gu Qinghan instructed the hidden guard left by General Gu to mix a colorless, odorless spice into the dishes prepared for Gu Xu’s room when the waiter was about to serve them.
The dishes looked no different from usual, but they smelled even more fragrant. Even a silver needle wouldn’t detect anything.
This spice was something Gu Qinghan had obtained from Chundie, who had learned quite a bit during his time in the pleasure quarters.
Chundie, if you knew this spice would be used on Gu Xu today, would you regret it?
Thinking of this, Gu Qinghan felt even more exhilarated. She leaned weakly against the pillow, sweetly smiling as she picked up a piece of fish with her chopsticks.
Upon entering the private room, Gu Xu was surprised to find not only the envoy from the Western Regions but also another unfamiliar man.
She noticed the man’s luxurious attire—even the hair tie was woven entirely with gold thread, and the jade pendant at his side and the hook on his waistband were made of the finest materials.
This man was the target of Ye Muyan’s men today—the eldest prince, Ye Junyi.
The envoy from the Western Regions hurriedly introduced him to Gu Xu, “This is His Highness, the eldest prince.”
Ye Junyi did not stand up but raised his wine cup to acknowledge Gu Xu as a greeting.
Gu Xu quickly knelt before him, “Your subject pays respects—”
Ye Junyi interrupted her gently, “Miss Gu, please rise. Treat me as an ordinary person.”
The eldest prince was also handsome, and his somewhat magnetic voice made Gu Xu blush.
“Yes~” Gu Xu swayed slightly as she bowed.
“I recall you are the legitimate daughter of the Gu family, and your talent is among the best in the capital. How did you end up in the Dali Prison?” Ye Junyi asked, feigning casualness.
Gu Xu clenched her teeth, unable to speak for a moment. On one hand, she wanted to maintain her usual innocent and kind demeanor, but on the other, she couldn’t suppress the anger in her heart.
Ye Junyi smiled, “I already know the purpose of your visit today. Let’s speak plainly.”
“Gu Qinghan—I want her.”