C16 A Brilliant Plan

The shadow vanished into the night sky as Zhuohua stepped forward to the body, her almond-shaped eyes falling on the badge on the chest of the figure in black. She bent down to pick it up.

The small wooden tag was engraved with the words "Shadow Guard," and in the lower right corner was a distinct character, "Lin."

Holding the dark wooden badge, a fleeting, enigmatic smile crossed Zhuohua's lips as she murmured softly, "Lin... King..."

Perhaps the commotion caused by the departure of the figure in black had finally alerted the mansion's guards, who arrived belatedly.

Faced with the three bodies lying on the ground, the dozen or so guards knelt, barely daring to breathe. "Miss, forgive us for arriving late."

Zhuohua glanced indifferently at the kneeling guards, her expression unreadable, but the oppressive aura around her was so intense that they dared not utter a word.

The guards wondered silently when their young lady had become so commanding. This aura, filled with a sense of foreboding, was reminiscent of the third young master, if not more so.

"The Gu family doesn't keep idle people. If you're just here to collect a paycheck, I'll find a place for you!"

The guards shivered, sweat trickling down their foreheads. The lead guard, suppressing his fear, said, "We were wrong, Miss. Please punish us."

They knew they deserved it. If anything had happened to her, they would have been doomed, no matter how many lives they had.

But... wasn't the young lady supposed to be unskilled in martial arts?

Zhuohua let out a cold snort. The Gu Mansion had been peaceful for too long, leaving these people without any sense of danger. If she had still been the defenseless young lady of the Gu family, she would have been dead by now.

Clutching the badge in her hand, Zhuohua glanced at the bodies at her feet. "Gather up these corpses. And someone go get twenty canes. This matter is not to be spoken of to anyone, including Father and Second Brother."

The guards wore troubled expressions, clearly torn. They were all from the Prime Minister's residence, and failing to inform him of such a significant incident would lead to consequences far worse than their current predicament.

"Miss..."

Gu Zhuohua's demeanor turned icy, a fierce aura emanating from her. "Do you have any objections?"

The guard's spine stiffened abruptly, and he shook his head repeatedly. "I wouldn't dare. I'll handle it right away."

A group of over ten quickly gathered the four bodies, preparing them for Gu Zhuohua's use the next day.

The night passed dreamlessly.

Early the next morning, Xiaoxi brought a basin of water to Gu Zhuohua's room for her to freshen up. Seeing Gu Zhuohua looking refreshed, Xiaoxi's face showed confusion.

"Miss, did you call for me last night?"

Gu Zhuohua set down the towel and shook her head. "No, I slept very well last night."

Xiaoxi scratched her head in confusion. It was strange; she thought she heard something last night but couldn't wake up.

Gu Zhuohua understood clearly. Xiaoxi must have been affected by the sleeping incense those people used, and it wasn't just Xiaoxi—all the maids in her courtyard were affected.

Hearing Gu Zhuohua's denial, Xiaoxi felt relieved and cheerfully assisted her with breakfast.

"Miss, Father has forbidden you from dining in the main hall these days, but the dishes sent here are still quite good." The table was set with meat porridge and a few nutritious side dishes, clearly prepared with care for her.

Gu Zhuohua felt a pang of bitterness. Why did the Gu family always do things that tugged at her heart?

"Hmm."

She focused on her porridge, feeling a warmth inside.

After breakfast, Gu Zhuohua took the badge she had taken from the black-clad men the previous day and tucked it into her sleeve.

"Xi'er, stay in the courtyard and keep watch. If anyone comes looking for me, tell them I'm unwell and can't see anyone. Make sure no one gets in," Gu Zhuohua instructed sternly.

Xi'er nodded firmly, treating the young lady's words as law. Xiaoxi thought Gu Zhuohua had regained her usual energy and was planning to sneak out for some fun.