C9 His Three Views Had Been Refreshed

At this moment, Zhuohua had a white bandage wrapped around her forehead, with a bright red stain marking the injured spot. Beiting's face immediately darkened with concern.

He gently touched Zhuohua's hair, trying not to alarm her, and softened his expression. "Does your head still hurt?"

Zhuohua shook her head. "No, it doesn't hurt anymore."

She glanced in Beiting's direction, her small face showing a hint of guilt, and softly said, "Big brother..."

"It's alright, no need to explain. I already know. That wretched Duke Lin! How dare he deny everything! Don't worry, I'll make sure justice is served for you," Beiting said angrily.

Zhuohua blinked, her mouth twitching as she saw Beiting looking ready to fight. She quickly intervened, "No, big brother, actually, I've seen Duke Lin's true colors today, and it's really disappointing." As she spoke, she placed a hand over her heart. "I think it's better that he denies it now. If he admitted it, who knows how much I'd suffer at his place in the future."

Zhuohua feigned tears, knowing her brothers cherished her dearly.

Fortunately, even though the family was traditional, they weren't rigid in their thinking.

Beiting had never liked Duke Lin. In the past, Zhuohua hadn't seen him clearly, but now that she did, it wasn't necessarily a bad thing. Still, thinking about the harm Duke Lin caused Zhuohua, even the usually composed Beiting clenched his fists and gritted his teeth. "You're right, but we can't just let Duke Lin off the hook for what he owes us!"

Zhuohua sighed deeply. Even though she had been cold-hearted in her past life, facing Beiting's unwavering support today softened the hidden stone in her heart.

After resting enough, Beiting carried Zhuohua into the family's carriage and headed back home.

Just as they stepped out of the carriage, a servant at the door hurried over to greet them, looking a bit uneasy.

"Second Young Master, Miss, the Master said you don't need to see him upon returning. Just head to the ancestral hall and... kneel."

Gu Beiting gently patted Gu Zhuohua's hand to comfort her, saying, "Xiaoxi, help Hua get back to her room to rest."

"Second Brother..." Gu Zhuohua frowned.

She had done something significant and kept it hidden from the family. Given their father's temper, kneeling in the ancestral hall was actually a light punishment.

Gu Beiting smiled reassuringly, "Hua, don't worry. I'll go kneel in the hall. You focus on getting better."

Gu Zhuohua felt a pang in her heart, truly seeing Gu Beiting as family at that moment.

"No, I made the mistake, so I should take responsibility. It has nothing to do with you." She was used to handling things on her own and never let anyone else take her place.

"Silly girl, do you really think Dad would punish you? This is clearly aimed at me," Gu Beiting explained.

Gu Zhuohua looked at him, puzzled, but his expression seemed sincere. Then a thought struck her—could it be...

"Second Brother, you didn't..." Did you hit Duke Lin?

Gu Beiting waved his hand and followed the servant towards the ancestral hall, leaving behind a lighthearted comment: "I just burned down Duke Lin's mansion, that's all."

Just... that's all...

Gu Zhuohua's face twitched, thinking the tales of the noble Gu Beiting must be exaggerated...

"Miss, we should hurry inside. It's windy out here," Xiaoxi urged as she supported Gu Zhuohua's arm.

Back at the Gu Mansion, Gu Zhuohua felt a bit more at ease.

Memories from her past life lingered in her mind. The Gu family had always held a special status, and as the only legitimate daughter, Gu Zhuohua was doted on endlessly. This indulgence had shaped her daring and secretive nature.

From Gu Beiting's reaction alone, it was clear—he didn't ask a single question about the child, instead choosing to reprimand Duke Lin first.

Gu Zhuohua took a sip of the bitter herbal medicine and sighed. If the Gu family treated her poorly, it wouldn't matter much. But since they treated her well, she felt obligated to repay their kindness. The responsibilities of the Gu family were now hers to bear.

Xiaoxi, who was feeding her the medicine, felt a pang of sympathy seeing her mistress's expression. "Miss, don't be upset. You saw Duke Lin's attitude. It's better if you don't like him anymore." She blew on a spoonful of the herbal concoction and brought it to Gu Zhuohua's lips. "If you ask me, that gentleman in the plain robe today seemed quite decent. Despite his shortcomings, he's resilient and has a good heart."

Gu Zhuohua glanced at her mildly. "Are you suggesting that since no one will want your mistress in this state, she should settle for a husband with a limp?"

Xiaoxi panicked, shaking her head vigorously. "No, no, that's not what I meant..."

Gu Zhuohua flicked her forehead lightly. "You have quite the imagination. That gentleman is clearly not an ordinary person."

Xiaoxi stuck out her tongue. She had noticed that too, which is why she found him impressive.