C13 Actually It Was Still a Pain in the Heart

Gu Beiting paused for a moment, then heard the snap of a pen breaking in the study. He chuckled, shaking his head, and tapped Gu Zhuohua's nose with his slender fingers, mouthing the words: "You little rascal."

Gu Zhuohua blinked innocently. It wasn't her fault Duke Lin had upset him. Better her father vent his anger on someone else than on her.

"Let's go. We'll come back once Dad has calmed down."

Gu Zhuohua nodded with a playful smile. "Alright, I'll head to the kitchen and make Dad's favorite plum blossom soup."

"Don't be silly. It's freezing out here. Go back to your room and stay warm..."

Their voices gradually faded into the cold wind.

Inside the study, Prime Minister Gu slammed his palm down on the desk, cracking the fine pearwood. His face was stern, his demeanor fierce. "Duke Lin, you dare harm my daughter like this? I won't let you off easily!"

Three days later, the first snow of the year blanketed Yong Capital City, transforming it into a winter wonderland. In a quiet courtyard of the Prime Minister's residence, Gu Zhuohua stood beneath a pink plum blossom tree, wrapped in a white fur coat. The soft snow fox fur brushed gently against her fair skin as the north wind blew.

Gu Zhuohua slowly reached out her hand, and the falling blossoms swirled into a small vortex in her palm. The pink whirlpool, mixed with the white snow, expanded and cascaded down like a shower of petals.

Xiaoxi entered, carrying a food box, and stopped in her tracks, awestruck by the breathtaking scene. The view was stunning, but the person was even more so.

Xiaoxi frowned slightly, pondering when exactly their young lady had begun to change.

"Miss!"

Gu Zhuohua turned at the sound, her expression cool and composed. "What is it?"

Xiaoxi blinked, thinking she might have imagined it, then hurried forward with a food box. "The young master sent over some pastries just now."

Gu Zhuohua's lips curled slightly. "Why hasn't my brother come by himself these past few days?"

Xiaoxi handed the box to Xi'er, who had followed her. "The young master promised the head of the academy he'd teach there for a few days. He just got back today and thought of you, so he sent these treats from the academy before heading out again."

Gu Zhuohua pondered. The academy was the largest and best in the capital, attended by the wealthy and influential. Her brother had never been fond of such places. Why the change of heart now?

Seeing Gu Zhuohua remain silent, Xiaoxi leaned in conspiratorially. "Miss, I had Xi'er find out from the Prime Minister's place. Yao Li said the Prime Minister reported Duke Lin today. Duke Lin's been confined for three months and lost a year's salary, and many of his followers were punished."

Gu Zhuohua smiled slightly. "Is that so?"

It seemed the Prime Minister was indeed protective of his daughter. In just a few days, he'd gathered enough evidence against Duke Lin. Given more time...

"Shouldn't you take this chance to visit the Prime Minister?" Xiaoxi suggested with a mischievous grin.

Gu Zhuohua glanced at Xiaoxi, a hint of helplessness in her eyes. She'd been visiting every day, bringing delicious food and drinks. Though everything was accepted, the Prime Minister hadn't said a word, not even sending a message.

"Father is truly upset this time. It might take a year or more for him to calm down." Gu Zhuohua sighed. She'd never been one to placate others, always taking a firm stance. But she couldn't treat the Prime Minister the same way, could she?

"Should we write to the eldest and third young masters for help? The eldest always has clever ideas and can surely assist you." At the mention of the eldest young master, Xiaoxi's face lit up with excitement.

Gu Zhuohua couldn't help but tease, "Seems like you're the one eager to get in touch with him."

Xiaoxi's expression stiffened, a hint of embarrassment coloring her cheeks. "That's not it at all."

The eldest young master was admired by many, and she was just one among them.

Gu Zhuohua chuckled softly, choosing not to press further. "Alright, let's go try the pastries the second young master sent over."

With that, the two made their way to the room.