Chapter 13

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Chapter 13: Title

Lian Rong glanced at Gu Hengbo and said with a smile, “The bond between you two siblings is truly strong.”

“Of course, he is my brother,” Gu Hengbo raised her voice deliberately. “Father has prepared a feast for the prince in the front hall; Brother, you should accompany the prince there.”

Gu Cheng looked at her in confusion, “Aren’t you going?”

Gu Hengbo instantly changed her expression to a sad one, placing her hands on her stomach, and pitifully said, “Meisheng can’t go, she has her period, ah, it hurts so much.”

Gu Cheng was taken aback, his face turned red, and he stammered, “So, you should rest then.” He then made a gesture inviting Lian Rong to proceed while apologizing, “Please forgive the prince for this, Your Highness, right this way.”

The smile in Lian Rong’s eyes deepened as she stood up to leave. Passing by Gu Hengbo, she leaned in and whispered, “Your acting is really poor.” With that, she left with a cheerful laugh.

Gu Hengbo glared at her retreating figure, gritting her teeth. She found her more and more annoying.

Gu Hengbo looked down at her clothes, a flash of pride in her eyes. Qingfeng frowned at her very “cool” outfit and finally couldn’t hold back, saying, “Miss, you can’t go out like this.”

“Why not?”

Qingfeng shook her head, “Dressing like this is really improper, Master will be angry.”

Gu Hengbo pouted, saying, “It’s already May, and it’s incredibly hot. Can’t even show an arm?”

“It’s not that hot yet, Miss, it’s not even June. You should change; you know how Master can be,” Qingfeng replied, unusually chatty. Not only was it not allowed to dress like this outside, but even at home, she couldn’t dress like this.

Gu Hengbo sighed dramatically. Of course, the weather in May wasn’t that hot. She wanted Gu Yuanqing, that old turtle, to embarrass himself in front of Lian Rong. It was just an arm showing; she wouldn’t be at a loss for it. “Your dedication is admirable, but I fear I must disappoint you. Qingfeng, dear, lead on.”

Qingfeng couldn’t argue with her; Gu Hengbo was several times stronger than her, and she was almost pushed into the dining hall by her.

Everyone in the room looked at Gu Hengbo as if she were a monkey. Gu Yuanqing’s eyes nearly popped out, and Madam Dou was so surprised she couldn’t speak for a while. Lian Chen, sitting next to Gu Cheng, twitched his lips. Although he knew Gu Hengbo had changed after she recovered, her strange personality was still astonishing. It was the first time he saw an unmarried girl so “unrestrained.” No, even married women don’t act like this! After a long pause, he finally said, “Haha, just waiting for Second Miss.”

Gu Hengbo shot him a glance. Since he could still bounce around and come to the Prime Minister’s residence for a meal, it meant he hadn’t been hurt in the great hall. She couldn’t help but feel relieved. With that thought, she boldly walked toward the dining table, and just as her bottom touched the seat, she was startled to stand straight due to Gu Yuanqing’s sharp reprimand.

“This is absurd! Who allowed you to dress like this? Qingfeng, what is going on?” Gu Yuanqing scolded coldly.

Qingfeng stepped out from behind Gu Hengbo, shrinking back as she clearly feared Gu Yuanqing, saying, “Master, it’s the Miss…”

“I’m hot,” Gu Hengbo said, not bothering to call him ‘father,’ as she pulled Qingfeng behind her without giving an explanation.

“You, change your clothes,” Gu Yuanqing’s face was as dark as a pot bottom, shaking with rage. He was about to explode.

Lian Chen lightly cleared his throat and quickly spoke to ease the tension, “Prime Minister Gu, the Second Miss is generous and doesn’t fuss over small details. Such a personality is rare among other young ladies, truly valuable.” Today the palace was in chaos, and Gu Hengbo had disappeared without a trace. Luckily, she returned safely; otherwise, he wouldn’t know how to explain to Gu Cheng. He rushed to the residence, and coincidently heard Lian Rong was also there, nearly running into a wall.

Madam Qin and Gu Ran exchanged glances, both looking as if they were watching a show.

Gu Cheng helplessly said, “Meisheng, listen to me, go change your clothes.”

Gu Cheng’s words undoubtedly drew everyone’s attention to him, making him feel embarrassed. “Father, I think Meisheng’s illness hasn’t truly healed.”

Gu Yuanqing still wore a cold expression, “You only know how to protect her.”

“It’s fine, Second Miss, please sit,” Lian Rong, who had remained silent since Gu Hengbo entered, spoke up.

“Your Highness,” Gu Yuanqing responded, surprised.

“There’s no need to be too harsh on her, Prime Minister Gu,” Lian Rong said calmly.

As soon as Lian Rong finished her sentence, Gu Hengbo didn’t wait for Gu Yuanqing to respond and sat down without a second thought, ignoring the disappointment in Madam Dou’s eyes.

Perhaps because a prince and a royal lord were present, Gu Yuanqing held back his anger, forcing a smile on his face as he continued to joke with the two, making it seem as if Gu Hengbo’s little incident had never happened. The meal appeared to be quite relaxed on the surface.

From time to time, Lian Rong exchanged professional terms that others couldn’t understand with the old turtle. Gu Hengbo felt quite frustrated. She looked at the chicken leg not far from her; she didn’t particularly like chicken, but she hadn’t eaten meat in a long time. Of course, it wasn’t that the Prime Minister’s residence didn’t allow it, but each meal seemed to be delayed until everyone had arrived. One day they finally managed to gather everyone, and Madam Qin would take on the role of the head lady, starting to lecture, especially taking turns with her and the old turtle. Did she need to live like this?

Gu Cheng had long noticed Gu Hengbo’s distress. With a faint smile, he picked up a piece of chicken and placed it in Gu Hengbo’s bowl, saying, “Meisheng, eat more.”

Gu Hengbo looked at him gratefully. It wasn’t that she didn’t eat; every time her chopsticks approached the plate, Gu Yuanqing would glare at her. Damn it, he should experience hunger one day too.

Gu Ran watched the chicken in Gu Hengbo’s bowl, a flash of malice appearing in her eyes.

After the meal, Gu Yuanqing specially arranged a sedan chair to send Lian Rong and Lian Chen back. Just as Lian Chen was leaving, he leaned close to Gu Hengbo and whispered in her ear, “I’m leaving now, don’t forget to think of me, okay?”

This moment happened to be seen by Madam Qin, who smirked coldly. Gu Meisheng was now a normal person, so Madam Qin had to be cautious. The emperor had not yet crowned a crown prince, and everyone knew that the First Prince was the most favored candidate. However, throughout history, no emperor had smoothly taken the throne, and the First Prince would be no exception. His biggest rival for the throne was the Third Prince, Lian Chen. Therefore, she had to make sure that Gu Meisheng’s future husband was not either of them. It seemed she had to marry off this troublesome girl as soon as possible.

Lian Rong left the Prime Minister’s residence and bid farewell to Gu Yuanqing without glancing at Gu Hengbo again. Gu Hengbo shook her arms and turned to walk back to the courtyard.

Madam Qin watched the departing sedan chair and glanced at Gu Meisheng as she left. “Master, with this incident today, how will the princes view our Prime Minister’s residence in the future?”

Gu Yuanqing snorted coldly, “I certainly won’t let her off so easily.” He felt utterly humiliated. It was difficult to get close to Lian Rong in the first place; Dongyin was a great nation, and there was only one prince with a title. If he allowed a disobedient daughter to make others look down on him, it would be impossible to win them over in the future.

Gu Hengbo paused her steps, turned around to look at Gu Yuanqing and the others. The guests had left, and it was time to deal with her, right? Well, she wouldn’t be intimidated easily; she could fight the old turtle if it came to that.

Gu Cheng stepped forward to block Gu Hengbo’s path. “Meisheng, you should go back and rest. Big Brother is here to explain things to Father.”

Gu Yuanqing’s face darkened. “Cheng’er, don’t protect her for me.”

Gu Hengbo chuckled lightly, “What? As soon as those two leave, you want to deal with me? How much do you want to see me in trouble?”

“You foolish girl. Do you know who that is? That is Prince Rong! If you offend her, our whole Prime Minister’s residence will be in trouble!” Gu Yuanqing shouted, angry.

Gu Hengbo raised an eyebrow. “Of course, I know who she is. What are you saying? Besides, which of your eyes saw me offend her? If you think your daughter has tarnished Prince Rong’s image, why don’t you just kick me out?”

“You! How did I end up with such a daughter? Someone, lock this unrepentant girl in the woodshed. Do not give her anything to eat or drink until she admits her mistakes. If I find out who secretly brings her food, I will break your legs!” Gu Yuanqing was clearly very angered by Gu Hengbo’s words.

Gu Cheng looked serious. “Father, Meisheng is still a girl. This will ruin her life.”

“Anyone who pleads for her is going against me, Gu Yuanqing.”

Madam Qin signaled to a few servants, and they stepped forward to block Gu Cheng, while a few others grabbed Gu Hengbo. Madam Dou knew Gu Yuanqing was serious this time, but she also understood that Gu Hengbo had indeed gone a bit too far today.

Gu Hengbo frowned. She put in some strength and broke free from the servants’ grasp, raising her voice, “Don’t touch me; I can walk by myself.”

Gu Yuanqing snorted. “Take her away.”

“Wait!” Madam Dou stepped forward and knelt in front of Gu Yuanqing. “Meisheng made a mistake. It’s all my fault as her mother for not teaching her properly. Qingyue asks Master to spare Meisheng, but please let Qingyue be locked up together with her.”

“You know it’s true. Look at her now; she is worse than a fool. If you can’t teach her right, neither of you mother and daughter can stay in the Prime Minister’s residence.”

“Thank you, Master, for your understanding.” Madam Dou bowed her head on the ground.

“Mother and I don’t even want to stay here; if you want to chase us away, great! I’d welcome it!” Gu Hengbo shouted loudly.

“Shut up!” With Madam Dou’s reprimand came a loud slap to Gu Hengbo’s face.

Gu Hengbo was stunned. She stared blankly at Madam Dou’s right hand, disregarding the pain on her face. In her eyes, there was confusion, doubt, and grievance.

When did she become so unable to hold her temper?