C21

No matter what Gu Yiqing was there for, her father Gu Qingyuan knew clearly that it was dangerous over there, but he still had to get him to bring her daughter over when he passed Linan.

Yes … He just picked it up casually and didn't send anyone to pick it up. It was probably because he was afraid of being caught and pretended to show it to the other families.

Gu Jinzhu's heart felt like it was being frozen by waves of cold water, making her feel bone-chilling cold from the inside to the outside.

Although he did not hold much hope for this father, he was still a blood relative. Who would have thought that he would be so heartless!

She bit her lips and could only sneer.

The sound of teeth clattering came from behind her. She turned around and saw that Yun Xiang's face was shocked to the extreme. Trembling, she grabbed her sleeve and called out, "Miss …"

The conversation was still going on and on, but Gu Jinzhu didn't want to listen any longer and shut the window herself.

The two people on the other side of the stairs were not the least bit surprised. The servant in black clothes hesitated for a moment and said, "Master, after the eldest young miss heard this, she wouldn't come with us anymore, right?"

Gu Yiqing didn't say anything until he saw the slim figure behind the window disappearing. He then said lightly: "If that's the case, then it's for the best!"

His trip had been really hasty. If it weren't for the fact that Yang Shao was a wealthy merchant, he wouldn't have wasted a night here if it wasn't for the fact that it would be beneficial to him in the future.

When Mrs. Yao heard about his trip, she begged him to bring Gu Jinzhu back along the way. After all, Yang Family had already been sent to him with a letter, if she did not put on an act, it would be easy for her to expose his spine.

However, no one mentioned the dangers of his trip here. No one even cared how dangerous it was for him to bring a girl to the Land of Chaos. One could only imagine Mrs. Yaoan's intentions!

Gu Qingyuan knew everything was going on, yet he gave his tacit consent to Mrs. Yao's decision. He didn't even send anyone else. It could be seen how indifferent he was to his daughter.

He hadn't taken his niece to heart in the beginning, but the moment he saw her, he was distracted by her clear eyes that were like spring water. That silence, that hidden sharpness made him not want to see such a girl die in a mob for no reason.

Thus, he had purposely allowed her to hear his words tonight. He only hoped that she had some understanding of his own situation, and if she had naively believed that State Duke's Mansion would welcome her back with both hands up, even if he managed to return to the Gu family safely, he would still be tortured to death without knowing the reason why.

He had originally wanted to keep her in the Yang Family, but after hearing that the Yang Family treated her harshly, he made other arrangements for her.

If she was aware of the situation and did not follow him, he would have long since arranged a proper identity for her. He would leave behind the money and at the very least ensure her safety for the rest of her life.

In the end, he felt a trace of pity for her. Since there was a dangerous place in front of them, what was the need to jump in?

It all depended on this girl's choice.

He raised his head and looked at the dark sky. Then, he turned around and said to Meng Xueyi, "Go back."

The servant in black quietly followed behind him.

Gu Jinzhu could not sleep soundly after she heard those words. The room was cold, and even though it was a new bed, she could still feel the moist, cold air seeping into her bones.

On the bed, Yun Xiang kept turning over. It was obvious that she couldn't fall asleep either. She tightly wrapped herself in the quilt and did not know when she finally fell asleep.

The next day, Jinzhu was awakened by the sound of rain dripping on the windowsill. When she opened her eyes, she saw that the outer room was faintly discernible. Yun Xiang and Biwan had already woken up and were packing up.

She moved a bit and felt a little dizzy. Her temple seemed to have been hit by something as it throbbed in pain.

She rubbed her forehead and sat up, feeling pain all over her body. Every movement she made felt as if her bones were shattered.

When she heard the sound of the curtain being lifted, she asked softly, "Miss, are you awake?"

Gu Jinzhu rubbed her forehead. "Pour me a cup of water."

As soon as the words left her mouth, she felt that something was wrong. Her voice was so hoarse that it felt as if a knife had cut her throat, causing her to feel a burning pain.

Yun Xiang was also shocked. She hurriedly poured some water and poured it into her cup. Gu Jinzhu only managed to recover a lot after the warm water entered her mouth.

Yun Xiang looked at her tired expression and asked worriedly, "Miss, did you not rest well?" Do you want to sleep a little longer? "

Gu Jinzhu didn't answer, instead she asked, "Third Uncle …" Are you up? "

The two guest rooms were right next to each other. There was a sound coming from the other side of the door.

Yun Xiang hesitated for a moment before saying, "Third Master is already up. Then Big Brother guard also went down early to pack some things."

Gu Jinzhu nodded. "Rise."

Biwan also came in and pulled up the curtain. The two girls served Gu Jinzhu as she washed up.

In fact, it was just dawn now, and because of the overcast weather, the interior of the room was dark.

Yun Xiang saw that Gu Jinzhu's expression wasn't looking too good, and it was obvious that her face had turned green. She couldn't help but say, "Why don't this servant tell San Ye about it, we …" "Can we just stay here?"

Hearing what she had said last night, she was truly afraid. Although she already had a rough understanding of Gu Mansion, she did not expect that the young miss' situation was already this bad that State Duke would actually send the young miss to her death.

If she had known earlier that things would turn out like this, she would have stayed in the Yang Mansion.

Gu Jinzhu shook her head without thinking. Although Gu Yiqing had said it clearly, she had never thought of staying.

Gu Mansion was after all, her home. With her mother's memorial tablet and her roots, it was impossible for her not to return for the rest of her life.

Yun Xiang could see her determination and sighed softly. She was afraid of Gu Jinzhulian, so she fished out a thick silky white peony dress embroidered with butterflies and peonies from the box. On the outside, she also covered her with a large robe covered with blue plumage.

After breakfast, the three of them went downstairs and out the door. A gust of wind blew the rain towards them, causing Gu Jinzhu to shiver. She couldn't help but wrap her cloak tightly around her.

Gu Yiqing and his attendants were already waiting by the side of the carriage. Although he was wearing a rain cape, it did not hide his handsome and dignified appearance.

Gu Jinzhu went over and blessed Gu Yiqing. She wore a hood, revealing only her palm-sized face. Due to not sleeping well at night, her face appeared pale and listless.

Gu Yiqing paused for a second and suddenly said, "Have you thought it through?"

This question was asked randomly, but Gu Jinzhu understood in an instant. She pursed her lips and nodded.

Gu Yiqing couldn't help but look at her deeply and said, "Actually, I've already arranged …"

Before he could finish, she interrupted him. "No need!"

"Third Uncle is overthinking it. Gu Mansion is Jinzhu's home, no matter what, you have to return to it. There's no reason for you to give it up just because you took over the magpie nest."

She was clearly just a thirteen-year-old girl, and her face even had some immaturity, yet she was like a little budding rose, showing off her sharp thorns.