C10 He Had to Ram into the Muzzle of the Gun

"Miss, Miss, something's wrong!" A young girl with a fresh face burst into the room in a panic.

Upon hearing this, Xiaoxi stood up and gave the girl a light flick on the forehead. "Xi'er, what nonsense are you spouting?"

Xi'er pouted in apology. "Sister Xiaoxi, I know I was wrong. But just now, the Prime Minister came back from the palace looking really upset. I overheard Yao Li, who was with him, saying that the Prime Minister got quite the reprimand from the Emperor. And he even... he even..."

Xi'er seemed torn between laughing and crying, her expression a mix of emotions.

"What happened? Tell me!" Xiaoxi urged.

"He even kicked Duke Lin," Xi'er said, finally bursting into laughter.

Only in their household would someone have the nerve to do such things—one burned down Duke Lin's residence, and the other kicked him. It was hilarious.

Gu Zhuohua was taken aback. Indeed, the Gu Mansion was full of interesting people, her own father included.

Xiaoxi's stern expression gradually softened, and she couldn't maintain her authoritative demeanor. She looked at Gu Zhuohua with delight. "Miss, you should be fine this time."

Gu Zhuohua shook her head with a faint smile. She didn't think so. One thing at a time; after Duke Lin got his beating, it would probably be her turn next. After all, this was ancient society.

"Xiaoxi, help me up. I need to find my father."

"Miss, going to see the Prime Minister now is like walking into the lion's den," Xiaoxi said, puzzled.

Gu Zhuohua didn't explain. She intended to walk right into the lion's den, and not just walk, but make a scene so her father would feel some sympathy for her.

Taking a deep breath, Gu Zhuohua realized that living with family wasn't easy, but it was certainly fulfilling.

Whether it was the miraculous effects of the Essence Cultivation Pill or not, Gu Zhuohua felt no discomfort as she got out of bed and moved around. Still, she leaned on Xiaoxi's shoulder as they headed toward the Prime Minister's study.

In the study, Gu Beiting had already changed positions while kneeling.

Hearing a sudden crash, Gu Zhuohua raised an eyebrow and approached the door.

“Dad.” She called out weakly, looking at the shattered teacup on the floor.

Gu Beiting frowned at the sight. “I told you to rest. Why are you here?”

When their father got stubborn, he wasn’t easy to deal with.

Gu Zhuohua glanced apologetically at the kneeling Gu Beiting. Such a refined man, yet here he was, forced to kneel in public because of his sister’s impulsiveness. It pained her.

Pushing aside Xiaoxi, Gu Zhuohua knelt beside Gu Beiting, facing their father, who stood with his back to her, deliberately avoiding her gaze. “Dad, I know I was wrong. I admit my mistakes. Please, punish me.”

Though Prime Minister Gu was over fifty, aside from a few gray hairs, he had an air of dignity that explained why all the Gu children were exceptional.

With a flick of his long sleeve, Prime Minister Gu scoffed, “Then tell me, what did you do wrong?”

“Hua’s first mistake was bringing shame to the family by getting pregnant before marriage. The second was not admitting it in time, causing a rift between you and the Emperor, which was disloyal. The third was deceiving the family, making you bear the brunt of public scorn, which was unfilial. The fourth was having my brother stand up for me by setting fire to the Duke’s mansion, which was unjust. Such disloyalty, unfilial behavior, and injustice have brought disgrace to the family. I willingly accept death as atonement.” Gu Zhuohua finished slowly, bowing her head deeply, hitting it hard against the floor.

The clean bandage on her forehead was once again stained with blood.

Prime Minister Gu’s eyes filled with pain, but he steeled himself and turned away. “Do you think death will absolve you? Today, the Emperor summoned me to the palace. Though I admitted your wrongs on your behalf, his words were filled with cold sarcasm. You, an unfilial daughter, have brought disgrace to the Gu family!”

Prime Minister Gu was both angry and filled with guilt. Mrs. Gu had passed away early, and he blamed himself for not raising his daughter properly. If anyone was at fault, it was him, and he felt he couldn't face his wife or ancestors even in death.

"Daughter, acknowledge your mistake," Gu Zhuohua said, her head bowed low, allowing the bright red blood on her forehead to drip down.

Gu Beiting watched with a heavy heart but didn't intervene. He simply said, "Hua did make a mistake, but Duke Lin's actions were truly infuriating. He let Hua be pushed off the high platform without offering any help. If it weren't for her good fortune..."

Gu Beiting pressed his lips together, choosing not to finish the sentence.

Prime Minister Gu was taken aback—there was more to the story! His gaze softened with concern for Gu Zhuohua, overshadowing his anger, though he still felt a pang of regret for not having kicked Duke Lin harder.