C11 He Said That She Did Not Have the Virtue of a Wife

The large study fell into silence, while outside the mansion, a commotion was brewing. Yao Li rushed in from outside, catching his breath as he approached the door and bent slightly, speaking up, "Prime Minister, there's a crowd of people causing trouble outside."

Prime Minister Gu's expression flickered with concern for a moment before anger took over, his face turning red and his hands trembling slightly. "Hmph, let them deal with the mess they've created themselves!" With that, he angrily swished his robe and left the study.

Gu Zhuohua glanced at Prime Minister Gu's retreating figure, thinking that the timing of this uproar was rather convenient. "Brother," she said hurriedly, helping Gu Beiting to his feet. Having knelt for too long, Gu Beiting's legs wobbled, nearly causing him to stumble.

Gu Beiting affectionately pinched her cheek, "You little rascal, when did you become so glib?" The eloquence she had just displayed was something he wouldn't have believed if he hadn't witnessed it himself.

Gu Zhuohua squinted slightly and whispered, "Every word from your sister's heart."

Gu Beiting chuckled softly, feeling as if his little sister had suddenly grown up. The two of them exited the large study, with Yao Li and Xiaoxi following behind as they headed towards the entrance.

The group at the door was undoubtedly orchestrated by Duke Lin. After having his mansion burned and being kicked by her father, he must be seething with anger, which is why he gathered these people to stir up trouble.

As they reached the front courtyard, the shouting from outside became audible. Gu Beiting frowned; the words were truly unpleasant.

A scholarly voice accused, "Prime Minister Gu is wise and just, yet the young lady of the Gu Mansion has lost her virtue. We hope Prime Minister Gu can set an example for the people of Yong Capital City by punishing her."

A more common voice chimed in, "Exactly, Gu Zhuohua is shameless! She caused Young Master Beiting to burn down the duke's mansion, and it's fortunate the emperor didn't hold him accountable."

Duke Lin's Supporter: "I heard Duke Lin almost got burned. His robe was pretty scorched."

Shen Yao's Supporter: "Exactly, that Gu Zhuohua is nothing but trouble. Miss Shen is still bedridden because of her."

The guards at the Gu Mansion stood firm at the entrance, and when Gu Beiting and Gu Zhuohua came out, no one dared to throw rotten vegetables or eggs.

"Have you all finished speaking?" Gu Beiting asked coldly.

The crowd instantly fell silent.

Gu Beiting was well-respected in the Yong Capital City, known as a great scholar. Even without an official position, people treated him with respect.

Yet, someone dared to speak up: "Second Young Master, we’re not targeting the Gu Mansion, but what Miss Gu did really tarnishes the family’s reputation. We feel for Prime Minister Gu."

As soon as he finished, a few others quickly agreed.

Gu Zhuohua smirked. This person sure knew how to stir the pot.

Gu Beiting gave the young man a cold glance, looking him straight in the eye: "Pardon my boldness, but I wasn’t aware the Gu Mansion had relatives like you."

The young man’s face stiffened, his eyes darting as he mumbled, "Some people just don’t appreciate good intentions."

His voice was just loud enough for those nearby to hear, causing another stir in the crowd.

Gu Beiting’s expression darkened, about to speak when Gu Zhuohua cut in: "Duke Lin is truly fortunate, having even the petty thieves of Yong Capital City worry about his family affairs." Her words directly targeted the instigator.

At the mention of petty thieves, some in the crowd immediately distanced themselves from the troublemaker.

Everyone knew him—a notorious small-time thug in Yong Capital City. They thought he had a point, which is why they followed him here.

Seeing this, the young man’s face changed, and he glared defiantly, looking like a rogue: "Miss Gu, don’t change the subject. We’re just discussing the matter at hand."

"Alright, let's address the matter at hand! Has anyone in my family, for hundreds of years, ever wronged any of you?"

Heads shook in response.

"Then have I, Gu Zhuohua, ever wronged you?"

Again, heads shook.

"So why is it that today, when a delicate woman like me is wronged, everyone assumes it's my fault without knowing the full story? Or is it that some people feel so entitled by their status that they act without fear?" Gu Zhuohua's words were powerful and resonant.

The crowd fell silent.

Initially, they also suspected Duke Lin. After all, while Miss Gu could be a bit headstrong, she had never done anything truly outrageous, especially with Gu Beiting and Prime Minister Gu overseeing things.

But Duke Lin... It's an age-old tale of the wealthy and powerful doing as they please. Knowing Miss Gu had feelings for him, yet still approaching her—wasn't that just asking for trouble?

With this realization, most of the stirred-up crowd began to calm down.