“Before you speak, take a good look at what you are.”
“A mere concubine-born daughter dares to challenge the legitimate daughter of the principal wife!”
Gu Qinghan’s sharp demeanor faintly echoed the imposing presence of General Gu in his prime.
Her almond-shaped eyes narrowed slightly as she spoke without mercy: “Rong Ming, teach this fool who knows no respect for hierarchy a lesson!”
Upon hearing the command, Rong Ming immediately flexed his muscles with excitement.
Just as he approached the trembling Gu Lin, Concubine Yun inside the room weakly said: “Han’er, if I have been remiss in any way here, I beg your forgiveness.”
But Gu Qinghan paid no attention to her words, merely watching Gu Lin tremble with interest.
Before the large hand could strike, Gu Lin couldn’t help but burst into tears: “Sister Han, I’m sorry… sob…”
Although she usually acted domineering in front of Gu Rongxin, it was only because her mother backed her up. Her father never concerned himself with household affairs, big or small, so she had always been tyrannical within the third branch.
But facing a tough opponent like Gu Qinghan, she would never dare to pull her usual tricks.
She had been truly arrogant earlier, and now she was genuinely terrified.
Gu Qinghan was someone she couldn’t afford to provoke.
In the Gu residence, the capital, and even the entire Qi Kingdom, no woman shone brighter than Gu Qinghan.
She had grown up surrounded by boundless affection, with looks and family background unmatched by anyone.
Even many princesses of the royal family couldn’t compare to Gu Qinghan’s daily luxuries in food, clothing, and lifestyle.
Most enviable of all, her parents were proud of her precisely because she was a girl…
Gu Qinghan signaled Rong Ming to stop. She said coldly: “It’s not me you should be apologizing to.”
Gu Lin tearfully apologized to Gu Rongxin, who pressed her lips together and helped Gu Lin up.
Gu Lin cried even louder.
Gu Rongxin looked at Gu Qinghan with gratitude and apology, to which the latter responded with a reassuring smile.
“We’re all sisters in the family. With such a beautiful face, sister, don’t cry and ruin your makeup,” Gu Rongxin comforted gently. She knew Gu Qinghan was standing up for her and that she only intended to scare Gu Lin.
Gu Lin wasn’t inherently bad; she had just become somewhat spoiled under Concubine Yun’s influence without realizing it.
Concubine Yun had been desperately trying to have a son these past few years, leaving Gu Lin largely neglected.
Gu Lin always acted defiant and disdainful in front of Concubine Yun, putting on a convincing performance, but in reality, she just wanted her mother to pay more attention to her.
Yet, in private, she would secretly send over monthly allowances or items for young women—things Concubine Yun knew nothing about.
Now that Concubine Yun had a son, she would likely dote on him even more and neglect her daughter.
Gu Lin had already been deeply hurt by her parents during this period and could only seek validation wherever she could.
Little did she expect to run into a brick wall today.
Gu Qinghan also knew she wasn’t an utterly wicked person. Today’s act was meant to ease the relationship between the two sisters, allowing them to support each other within the third branch.
Gu Rongxin smiled lightly. Sister Han was always so kind and clever.
After a moment’s thought, Gu Lin understood Gu Qinghan’s intention and felt somewhat awkward.
She actually envied Gu Rongxin’s closeness with Gu Qinghan and greatly admired Gu Qinghan herself.
But she rarely had the chance to get close. Whenever she tried to approach Gu Qinghan, Concubine Yun would stop her.
In a way, today fulfilled a dream of hers.
Seeing the two looking shy and adorable, Gu Qinghan raised an eyebrow and swaggered inside with Rong Ming.
The room was filled with the heavy scent of medicinal herbs and piled high with congratulatory gifts from various branches of the Gu family.
Concubine Yun always presented a simple and elegant appearance to the outside world, never wearing any expensive jewelry, yet in reality, she used an entire room to store gold, silver, and precious gems.
At this moment, she lay weakly on the bed, her lips pale.
Even in such a frail state, there was still a hint of allure about her.
Upon seeing Gu Qinghan, she attempted to rise from the bed to pay her respects, expecting Gu Qinghan to stop her and urge her to rest properly.
Unexpectedly, Gu Qinghan had Rong Ming bring over an armchair and calmly waited for her to perform the courtesy.
Halfway through her movement, with no other choice, she spoke up: “Please understand, Miss. I have just given birth to a son and truly cannot get out of bed.”
Gu Qinghan nodded in understanding and said with a smile, “Congratulations, Concubine Yun, for adding another illegitimate son to Third Uncle.”
“I imagine that under your guidance, this child will grow up to do his utmost in assisting Rong Xin in managing the family business.”
Though Concubine Yun was deeply cunning, she remained expressionless upon hearing these words.
“I will heed your teachings, Miss. I will certainly raise this child well.”
“It has been five years since the Gu family welcomed a new child. Thinking that I have added another son to the Gu family, I cannot help but feel emotional.”
Concubine Yun even dabbed the corner of her eye with a handkerchief, tears already forming in that short moment. Gu Qinghan was utterly amazed; she too wanted to learn this skill of shedding tears in an instant.
“Rong Ming, bring the carefully selected congratulatory gift I prepared for Concubine Yun.”
Concubine Yun watched as the guard brought over a fruit platter.
A fruit platter?
It even contained a fruit that had been bitten into.
Concubine Yun could hardly maintain her composure at this point: “What is the meaning of this, Miss Han?”
Gu Qinghan replied innocently, “I simply choose gifts based on the significance of the occasion. You only gave birth to a son—it’s not such a big deal.”
“Must we make such a fuss and require me to host a three-day banquet for you and your son?”
Concubine Yun had not expected Gu Qinghan to say this. Although she was merely a concubine, she had given birth to a boy!
Without waiting for her reaction, Gu Qinghan sneered and left.
Left alone in bed, Concubine Yun seethed with frustration. She was filled with anger but had no outlet for it. Gu Qinghan had truly left her at a loss.