“What have you done?”
Xiao Yinghuai’s accusatory tone, paired with his dark and menacing expression, made Gu Xu’s heart ache even more.
After experiencing such a humiliating and terrifying ordeal, not only did Xiao Yinghuai fail to show any concern for her, but he even questioned her in such a dreadful tone.
Although she had long known of his betrayal and his desire to seize Gu Qinghan’s private assets for himself, she never expected him to be so brazen.
“Hah, what have I done?”
“Before you left the capital, you instructed me to purchase the most potent Passion Incense available on the market, so that you and Gu Qinghan could consummate your relationship and force her to marry you sooner.”
“Wasn’t this your plan? And now you ask me what I’ve done? How laughable!”
Xiao Yinghuai recalled that he had indeed given her this order before leaving the capital, never imagining it would be used against her.
The thought of Gu Xu being touched by another man filled him with resentment.
But remembering that he still needed her later, he quickly changed his expression.
He took Gu Xu’s hand, gently kneading it, his eyes brimming with affection: “A Xu, I was too anxious. I was so worried about you that my tone was harsh. Please don’t blame me.”
“Rest well. You must have been terribly frightened after such a shock, right?”
Hearing this, Gu Xu sneered inwardly. If Gu Qinghan hadn’t foolishly shown her Xiao Yinghuai’s handwritten letter, she would still be trapped in his illusion of tenderness.
Seeing that Gu Xu showed no reaction, Xiao Yinghuai reached out and pulled her into his embrace, letting her lean against his thin chest.
“A Xu, I’m doing this for our future…”
Suddenly, a maid knocked on the door outside, her voice cold: “Miss, the medicine is ready. This servant will come in to serve you.”
With a creak, the door opened.
Seeing this, Xiao Yinghuai immediately pushed Gu Xu away. Gu Xu, like a piece of discarded cloth, was thrown onto the bed, the back of her head throbbing with pain.
Gu Xu felt as if her heart were bleeding.
Xiao Yinghuai, the last shred of affection I held for you has been utterly worn away. Once I become the imperial consort, I will make sure you suffer a fate worse than death!
Meanwhile, Gu Qinghan was leisurely swaying on a reclining chair in the courtyard. On either side of the chair were cloth canopies for shade, along with various chilled fruits.
Chun Tao and the maid who had deciphered the Western script that day sat on low stools nearby.
The maid fanned gently, while Chun Tao smiled and fed Gu Qinghan chilled grapes.
Looking at Gu Qinghan’s stunningly beautiful face—both enchanting and innocent, evoking an irresistible urge to protect her—Chun Tao felt a surge of maternal instinct.
“Miss, have a little more. I’ll bring the chilled yogurt I prepared today to relieve the heat.” Just as Chun Tao was about to leave, Gu Qinghan’s delicate, boneless hand reached out and stopped her. “Sister Chun Tao, could you please make a little more? Share some with all the maids in the mansion~”
Chun Tao smiled and replied, “Of course. I anticipated your kindness and made extra this morning.”
Noticing the maid’s curious gaze, Chun Tao explained: “Every winter and summer, Miss gives extra allowances to the maids and guards in the mansion and arranges for seasonal treats to be distributed.”
After saying this, Chun Tao quietly withdrew to arrange the distribution, while the maid continued to wave the feather fan.
Gu Qinghan noticed the maid’s delicate and lovely face and looked at her curiously: “What’s your name? You’re so pretty~”
“This servant is named Wanzhu. I have no parents, only a younger sister in the capital.”
“Has Wanzhu’s younger sister reached the age to learn characters? If she is of suitable age, she may attend the school I established in the capital. It is not far from the Gu residence, so you sisters can see each other often.”
Wanzhu’s eyes reddened, and she kowtowed heavily to Gu Qinghan: “This servant will never forget your kindness, young miss, and will keep it in my heart forever. I will serve you with all my heart.”
Since childhood, she had followed the Crown Prince’s covert guards, taught by the seniors among them, and had carried out countless treacherous and shadowy deeds.
Only her younger sister was her sole concern. With just a gentle inquiry, the young miss had properly settled her worries.
Gu Qinghan smiled softly and gently helped her up: “Come, Wanzhu, have some grapes~”