Chapter 57

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Chapter 57: Title

Gu Hengbo dressed neatly and looked in the mirror. "Qian Yue, the prince is back. You can tell her I’m going to the Prime Minister’s residence." Since marrying into Prince Rong’s household, she hadn’t seen Madam Dou even once and couldn’t help but worry.

Qian Yue looked hesitant. "It might not be proper for the crown princess to go out like this."

Gu Hengbo turned to her. "Are you afraid I’ll run away?"

"Qian Yue wouldn’t dare."

Gu Hengbo stared at her for a moment and said seriously, "If you’re worried, you can come with me."

Gu Hengbo insisted on going to the Prime Minister’s residence alone. Qian Yue didn’t want to stop her, as Lian Rong was not around, and this household belonged to her as the crown princess. She had no choice but to agree.

The Prime Minister’s residence was merely a street away from Prince Rong’s. In modern times, she could have run there in no time, but with her current identity, she had to sit in a sedan chair.

"Your Highness, we have arrived at the Prime Minister’s residence."

The sedan curtain was lifted by Shui Yan from outside. Gu Hengbo pulled back her thoughts and stepped down from the sedan. She glanced at the grand entrance, her mind filled with thoughts as she walked up the steps. The guard at the entrance was startled to see her and quickly bowed in greeting.

Gu Hengbo nodded and entered.

The butler had seen her early and rushed over. "Second Miss, why didn’t you let anyone know you were coming back?"

Seeing this, Shui Yan’s expression immediately turned cold. "How dare you! When you see the Crown Princess, you should quickly bow!"

The butler was momentarily taken aback, then realized that Gu Meisheng was no longer the silly Second Miss she used to be; she was now the Crown Princess. People might respect and fear Lian Rong, but this young lady marrying a person of the same gender, especially someone who was Prince Rong, had a reputation that made many feel uncomfortable.

Reluctantly, the butler gave a nod towards Gu Hengbo. Gu Hengbo sensed Shui Yan’s impatience and quickly pulled her by the arm, giving her a knowing look.

Soon, the news of Gu Hengbo coming to the Prime Minister’s residence spread to everyone, from the master to the maids and servants. When Madam Qin heard that only Gu Hengbo had arrived, she felt relieved.

In the hall of the Prime Minister’s residence, the atmosphere became somewhat awkward. By status, Madam Qin should bow to Gu Hengbo, and of course, Gu Ran should do the same. Many people stood in the hall, watching Gu Hengbo enter without a single person moving, as if they were watching a joke. In the past, Gu Hengbo might not have cared, but things were different now; the mocking gazes from them all hinted at their schadenfreude.

They thought that Gu Hengbo would be mistreated after marrying into Prince Rong’s residence? Lian Rong treated her well. She had carefully prepared for today, and those who expected a spectacle would likely be disappointed.

As Gu Hengbo stood there, calm and silent, Madam Qin could no longer hold her composure. She put on a smile and walked over, about to take Gu Hengbo’s hand, but Shui Yan stepped in front of her, speaking in her usual cold and flat tone, "First Lady, you have crossed a line."

Madam Qin was taken aback. Gu Ran, unable to watch any longer, said, "So what if she married a woman? What’s there to be proud of? Does she really think she’s someone important?"

Seeing Shui Yan on the verge of exploding, Gu Hengbo coughed lightly. With a smile on her face, she appeared relaxed compared to Gu Ran’s fury. "We’re all family; why so many formalities? On the day I married, you said that Meisheng should come and visit often."

With things already at this point, Madam Qin had nothing more to say. She kept a smile on her face. Unlike Gu Ran, she knew that Lian Rong was not to be trifled with. Regardless of whether Gu Meisheng was married to a man or a woman, as long as it was Lian Rong, she would have to be cautious. She then reprimanded Gu Ran, "What have you been learning? Meisheng is still your sister, and now she is Prince Rong’s wife. How can you be so disrespectful?"

Gu Ran snorted but ultimately said nothing.

Madam Qin signaled to a nearby maid, "What are you still standing there for? Quickly go and make tea for the Crown Princess." "Meisheng, come, let’s sit down and talk."

Gu Hengbo nodded and immediately chose the best seat at the head of the table.

After exchanging a few pleasantries with Madam Qin, she excused herself, saying she hadn’t seen Madam Dou in a while and was worried about her health, thus leaving the hall to visit Madam Dou’s courtyard.

As soon as they left the hall, Shui Yan noticed Gu Hengbo’s expression was not good. Out of respect for her status, she did not ask, but it was obvious it was due to the mother and daughter pair from earlier. If those words reached the prince’s ears, they would surely face consequences.

Approaching Madam Dou’s courtyard, Gu Hengbo suddenly spoke, “Don’t mention what happened today to the prince, alright?”

Shui Yan was momentarily stunned but ultimately said nothing, giving a low response. Gu Hengbo had always been friendly towards her, and since their first meeting, she had known that whether as the Second Miss or the Crown Princess, Gu Hengbo treated the servants almost too kindly. Yet today, she saw another side of her. It was difficult to describe the feeling, but this deliberately masked demeanor made her heart ache, as it seemed Gu Hengbo had suffered quite a lot at the hands of the two women.

Qingfeng emerged from the room holding a used medicine bowl from Madam Dou when she ran into Gu Hengbo. She froze for a moment and called out, “Miss.” That one word made her feel inexplicably sour inside.

Upon seeing her, Gu Hengbo’s steps became much lighter. She hurried over, and without a word, embraced her tightly, “Little girl, I missed you so much!”

Qingfeng glanced at Shui Yan trailing behind and smirked, “Miss has forgotten the old love for the new?”

Gu Hengbo released her, pinching her slightly thin face. “You picked that up pretty quickly. Did you miss me these days?”

Qingfeng nodded, her eyes turning slightly red. “Prince Rong hasn’t given you any trouble, right? The lady keeps talking about you.”

Gu Hengbo pulled her into the room, calling for Shui Yan as well.

Madam Dou’s health had gradually improved in recent days. Hearing movement at the door, she thought Qingfeng had returned and said, “Qingfeng, bring me that pink ball of yarn; I just need one last flower.”

Gu Hengbo stood at the entrance, looking at the slightly frail figure, took a deep breath, and called out softly, “Mother.”

Madam Dou paused in her actions, turning around to see the person she had longed for standing not far away. She was momentarily stunned until Gu Hengbo walked over and gently embraced her, “Mother, Meisheng is back to see you.”

Madam Dou’s eyes turned red. “Meisheng!”

“Mother, I haven’t been a good daughter,” Gu Hengbo released Madam Dou and suddenly knelt down, the sound of her kneeling echoed in the room. This kneel was for her; she felt she had wronged this person.

Qingfeng and Shui Yan wisely stepped out.

Madam Dou hurriedly reached out, wiping the tears from her face, "Silly child, get up! Why are you kneeling?"

Gu Hengbo shook her head, “Mother, you blame Meisheng, don’t you? I promise I won’t complain.” If it weren’t for her, she would not have suffered in silence.

Madam Dou firmly pulled her up from the ground, “Don’t say such nonsense. No matter what happens, you are always my Dou Qingyue’s daughter. I would never blame you; my heart aches for you.”

Gu Hengbo felt a wave of emotion in her heart. It was undeniable that she was a selfish person. To secure a way out for herself, she would do just about anything. However, when it came to this woman who was a mother, no matter how hard her heart was, just a few words from her could change her mind. Ultimately, she was too soft-hearted.

Gu Hengbo made a decision in her heart. The thought of escaping and leaving Madam Dou alone was immediately discarded. No matter what happened, even if she had to beg on the streets in the future, she would never abandon her.

“Mother, you have not fully recovered. You should rest in bed,” Gu Hengbo suppressed her thoughts and assisted Madam Dou towards the bed.

Seeing her, Madam Dou’s mood improved a lot. She patted Gu Hengbo’s hand and said, “Mother’s illness is almost better. Speaking of which, I should thank A-Rong.”

Gu Hengbo’s heart skipped a beat. A-Rong? Why was she so affectionate? “Mother, what did Lian Rong say to you?”

Madam Dou cast her a disapproving glance. “What are you talking about, Lian Rong? She’s a princess. You need to change your careless ways.”

Gu Hengbo silently screamed in her heart. Was it really that fast? It hadn’t been long before her mother accepted her marrying a woman. “Mother, she is a woman!”

Madam Dou lightly tapped her finger on Gu Hengbo’s forehead. “So what if she is a woman? If she marries you, you are her wife. Although there are no hopes for children, Prince Rong is one of the most powerful in the whole land. So you don’t need to worry about this. Just be a good Princess of Prince Rong.”

Gu Hengbo leaned back onto the bed. “Mother, at least you should refuse her a bit. You agreed so quickly.” She had been quite worried, fearing her mother wouldn’t be able to accept a same-sex marriage. She didn’t expect her mother to be so open-minded.

Madam Dou sighed. “What good would it do to disagree? In this Prime Minister’s residence, I hold no position at all. To put it bluntly, even if your father sent you to the emperor, what could I do? Other than threatening to die, what other option do I have?”

Gu Hengbo sat up and said seriously, “Lian Rong treats me very well. You don’t need to worry.”

“Mother knows. I can tell from Prince Rong’s tone,” said Madam Dou.

Gu Hengbo thought of many explanations but realized none of them were needed now. She truly didn’t know what Lian Rong and Madam Dou discussed that day, for her to so readily accept it.

There was still one thing that Madam Dou didn’t know how to bring up. After thinking for a moment, she decided there was nothing to hide and said, “Meisheng, there is something I need to tell you.”

“Please, go ahead.”

“Cheng’er is going to get married.”

Gu Hengbo was stunned for a moment, suddenly realizing something. She took a deep breath. “Mother, do you know? Because you’ve been in a coma, Meisheng didn’t have the chance to tell you the truth. Actually, that day… Eldest Brother didn’t do anything wrong to me.”

Madam Dou was shocked. “What did you say?”

Gu Hengbo explained the situation to Madam Dou. It was quite complicated, and even now, she didn’t know who was trying to harm her. As long as she hadn’t lost her dignity, that was what mattered.

Madam Dou was at a loss for words. She knew Gu Cheng wasn’t that kind of person. Although she didn’t raise him, she had seen how he acted. Now, hearing Gu Hengbo say this, the burden in her heart was finally lifted. But the next moment, she frowned again. “Does Meisheng suspect someone did this on purpose?”

Gu Hengbo nodded. The matter had already passed, and she didn’t want to mention it again. “Eldest Brother wants to marry someone?”

Gu Cheng was getting married, and she hadn’t heard a thing about it.

Madam Dou spoke of it somewhat helplessly. “I heard she’s a woman from a brothel.”

A woman from a brothel? Gu Hengbo was stunned. “Did my father agree? Did you agree?”

“Alas, I’m not clear about the reasons behind it. It seems that with Miss Zhao, it was nothing serious. I don’t know if he was infatuated with that girl or what, but he has been away from home all day. Your father can’t do anything about it.”

“Where is he now?” How did he fall so low?

Madam Dou shook her head. “Now, all the businesses in the royal city are closed.”

As Gu Hengbo walked out of the Prime Minister’s residence, she felt a little dazed. She hadn’t expected things to turn out this way. Did that mean she had indirectly ruined Gu Cheng?

Gu Yuanqing had some control over his two daughters, but he had no way of managing his son, whom he couldn’t teach or control. It was quite hard for him.

Just as Gu Hengbo was about to get into the carriage, someone suddenly called her from behind. She turned around and saw Gu Cheng and Lian Chen walking toward her from a distance.

Qingfeng was supposed to escort Gu Hengbo, but upon seeing the two, said a quick word to her and returned home.

Lian Chen and Gu Cheng slowly approached. Gu Hengbo’s back stiffened. She didn’t really want to see these two people right now. What should she do?