C4 He Just Had to Make a Move

Shen Yao subtly withdrew from Duke Lin's embrace. If Gu Zhuohua pinned this accusation on her, it would tarnish her reputation. But she was not like Gu Zhuohua, who was notorious in the city. Shen Yao was the dream of every noble in the capital, and she wouldn't let Gu Zhuohua ruin her name.

"Miss Gu, there's been a misunderstanding. Yu'er spoke out of turn in her eagerness to protect me. I hope you can be magnanimous and not hold it against a mere servant," Shen Yao said softly, her pale face full of feigned humility, as if she were the one wronged.

The crowd around them quickly shifted their sympathy towards Shen Yao, seeing her as a delicate flower in distress.

Gu Zhuohua looked coldly at the fickle crowd, feeling a chill in her heart. She lifted her chin, her expression returning to its usual defiance. "Everyone in the capital knows I, Gu Zhuohua, never let a slight go unpunished. How I discipline my maid is my business, and it's certainly not up to a servant from a minor official's household to lay a hand on her! Xiaoxi, go teach her a lesson."

As Gu Zhuohua extended her hand, a wooden stick mysteriously rolled to Xiaoxi's feet. Her words about a minor official's servant left it unclear whether she was referring to the household or both parties involved.

Xiaoxi stared in shock at the stick, then at her mistress, hardly believing it. "M-Miss..."

"Miss nothing," Gu Zhuohua snapped. "Only I get to reprimand my people. Anyone else who tries will regret it." Her gaze flicked between Shen Yao and her servant, making her point clear.

Shen Yao felt a pang in her chest, nearly losing her composure. That stick was thick enough that, in the hands of someone stronger, it could seriously hurt Yu'er!

And most importantly, no one saw how the stick appeared. Even Yun Li in the audience was taken aback, unable to see it clearly.

Seeing the determined look on Gu Zhuohua's face, Xiaoxi suddenly felt a surge of courage, as if her fighting spirit was skyrocketing. She bent down, picked up the stick from the ground, and headed for the platform. Hmph, that brat had helped push her lady earlier. If she didn't take this chance to teach her a lesson, she'd be letting her lady down!

As Xiaoxi charged forward with fierce determination, Yu'er panicked, clutching Shen Yao's sleeve tightly and looking at her with pleading eyes. Shen Yao bit her lip, anxiously seeking help from Rong Lin beside her.

Rong Lin, deep in thought, frowned. If it were Shen Yao, he would naturally protect her. But this was just a maid. Today's incident was already causing a stir. If the Emperor found out that a Duke was causing trouble with the Prime Minister's household over a maid, all his previous efforts might go to waste.

Rong Lin's gaze fell on Gu Zhuohua, as if looking at something distasteful. "It's just a maid. Miss Gu, why not just let it go..."

Whack. "Ow..."

A thick stick came crashing down on Yu'er, breaking with a loud snap and eliciting a stifled cry of pain from her.

Xiaoxi felt a wave of unease wash over her, sneaking a glance at Duke Lin. Maybe she had acted too hastily.

Gu Zhuohua stifled a laugh, the corners of her mouth curving upward. She apologized to Duke Lin, "I'm terribly sorry, Your Grace. What were you saying?"

Duke Lin glared at Gu Zhuohua, his face flushed with anger as he flicked his robe sleeve.

He had already said most of what he intended, and Gu Zhuohua heard it clearly. It was obvious she was pretending not to understand, blatantly embarrassing Duke Lin!