Chapter 61

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Chapter 61: Title

Gu Hengbo couldn’t find words to describe her feelings right now. She never considered the Prince Rong mansion her home; calling it an inn wouldn’t be an exaggeration. But upon hearing the news, her heart skipped a beat.

When she got out of the carriage, she rushed inside without caring about her appearance. Even if there were some unpleasant moments, that was between her and Lian Rong. She knew how respected she was by the servants, and she wasn’t foolish; she understood who treated her well and who didn’t. Right now, she was indeed panicked. She couldn’t imagine what kind of brutality the attackers would unleash towards Lian Rong.

Once inside the mansion, she didn’t even take a soft sedan chair but ran straight to the inner courtyard. Along the way, she didn’t see a single person, and her heart sank deeper with each step.

When she arrived at the inner courtyard, the sounds of chaos filled the air. Gu Hengbo tried hard to keep her mind clear. Even though she had encountered scenes like this before, the sight of severed limbs still made her legs weak. The uninjured were carrying buckets and running towards the western courtyard, and the courtyard was in complete disarray; no one noticed her arrival.

Someone shouted "Princess," and the previously noisy crowd gradually quieted down. Everyone stopped and stared at Gu Hengbo, who was panting in the courtyard.

Gu Hengbo bent down and trembled as she closed the eyes of the junior maidservant lying at her feet, who had been taken before she even understood what was happening. Gu Hengbo looked at the short dagger that pierced the maid’s neck, her eyes filled with bloodshot tears. "Where is everyone?"

"Your Highness…"

Ignoring everyone’s protests, Gu Hengbo headed straight for the northern garden, where Lian Rong resided.

All the way, Gu Hengbo stepped over bodies. Many of the clothes belonged to those she had never seen before, likely belonging to the secret guards.

The eastern courtyard was no better, but at least there were living people there. When they saw Gu Hengbo enter, they all stood up. Qian Yue didn’t expect the first to return would be her. As she propped herself up, Gu Hengbo hurried over to support her. "Don’t move."

"Princess, I—"

Gu Hengbo helped her sit down, her voice a bit hoarse. "Don’t say anything. She will be back soon." This helpless feeling was something Gu Hengbo had never experienced before. These innocent lives seemed so insignificant in the face of murder. If, if she hadn’t entered the palace today, would she have met the same fate as them?

After ensuring Qian Yue was settled, Gu Hengbo ordered the uninjured to take care of the bodies throughout the mansion. After hesitating for a moment, she went to the western courtyard. The fire had already been put out, perhaps because it hadn’t burned for long.

Watching people continually carry bodies out of the house, Gu Hengbo’s heart skipped. She stepped forward. "What’s going on? Are there still people inside?"

"Your Highness, the flames were too fierce at the beginning, and some couldn’t escape."

Gu Hengbo lifted her foot to enter when someone stopped her. "Princess, you must not. Those we could carry have been brought out. There are a few charred bodies inside; we will take care of them."

"Gu Meisheng!"

Gu Hengbo turned around, staring blankly at the weary figure at the door. She blinked. "You’re back."

Lian Rong took off her cloak and threw it to Li Che, saying in a low voice, “Take people to the front courtyard and wait for me.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

After Li Che left, Lian Rong looked at the person standing there in a daze and sighed, “I’m sorry I came back late.”

“They’re all dead, all dead.” Gu Hengbo, unable to bear it any longer, finally broke down, her strength crumbling away.

Lian Rong hurried over to hug her, holding her tightly and comforting her, “It will be alright; I am here.”

Gu Hengbo leaned on her shoulder, and before losing consciousness, she clearly told herself that she could no longer hesitate.

*

When Gu Hengbo woke up, everything around her was quiet. She turned her head and through the bed curtains saw the empty bedroom. The scenes from before she fainted flashed in her mind; this world was far crueler than she had imagined. She could not imagine what it would be like to leave Lian Rong, especially since there was more than just herself to consider. But continuing like this would truly drive her crazy.

Getting out of bed, Gu Hengbo walked to the table, intending to pour herself a glass of water to soothe her throat. But the voices coming from the main hall made her stop.

“Your Highness, will what we are doing really work?” That was Qian Yue’s voice.

Gu Hengbo almost rushed out, but she was injured and could not move about recklessly. Then Lian Rong’s voice interrupted her thoughts of leaving.

“This matter is only known to you and Wuyang. What he is doing undeniably aims to have Jiulong Villa deal with Prince Rong’s residence. Since we are following their lead, we must be a little harsher. Prepare multiple lists of the victims in the residence and find out who is at their homes. Those silver coins can also be seen as compensation for them.”

“Qian Yue understands; what should we do next?”

After a moment, Lian Rong replied calmly, “Spread the news, the faster the better.”

Qian Yue nodded, “What about the palace?”

“Do not worry about that for now. The purpose of Gu Meisheng entering the palace today is this. Whether she goes to Mingluan Palace or Changning Palace, that person must know now. Have someone tidy up the residence; a distinguished guest will arrive soon.”

“Yes.”

The bedroom and main hall were separated by only a wall, and Gu Hengbo listened carefully to their conversation without missing a word. She forced a smile, her steps unsteady as she tried to walk toward the bed. Unexpectedly, she kicked over a round stool by her leg.

Then, she saw Qian Yue’s shocked face behind the beaded curtain.

“Crown Princess.”

Gu Hengbo looked at the fallen stool, feeling at a loss as she tried to pick it up. She didn’t know if it was her lack of strength or something else, but the stool slipped from her hands and wouldn’t stand up. Suddenly, someone tightly gripped her hand and pulled her up.

“Gu Meisheng.”

Gu Hengbo lowered her head, trembling all over, her small face now frighteningly pale, as if she had lost all her energy.

“Qian Yue, you may leave,” Lian Rong said, holding Gu Hengbo’s wrist and directing Qian Yue behind her.

Qian Yue glanced worriedly at Gu Hengbo before turning to leave. She had no words for this woman.

“Ah Heng,” Lian Rong loosened her grip slightly, “Please don’t be like this.”

Gu Hengbo stood still, not moving, even refusing to lift her head or meet Lian Rong’s gaze.

Lian Rong grew impatient, reaching out to lift her chin, “What do you mean by this?”

Forced to look up, Gu Hengbo stared at her blankly, her eyes dim and lifeless, starkly contrasting with Lian Rong’s expectations.

“Gu Meisheng.”

“Lian Rong, you are the most heartless person I have ever seen.”

“What?”

"I say, you are worse than a beast."

"Gu Meisheng."

"Let go."

Lian Rong watched as she pried open her fingers one by one, using all her strength to give her no chance.

"Please move your hand away, thank you."

"Ah Heng, don’t do this," she softened her tone.

"Please move your hand away, thank you."

"Can we sit down and talk nicely, okay?" It was her fault first; she took a step back.

"Please move your hand away, thank you."

"Are you a parrot?"

"Please… um… let go, get away." "Smack."

Lian Rong was stunned; she did not expect Gu Hengbo to suddenly slap her. She was so shocked that she forgot about the pain on the side of her face. "Gu Meisheng, do not take advantage of my favoritism for you and act lawlessly."

Gu Hengbo stepped back, tears brimming in her eyes but not falling. The images of charred bodies and blood-soaked faces haunted her mind.

Watching Lian Rong approach her with a deepening frown, she knew she would not let her off easily, but she truly did not know what to do.

Lian Rong took a step forward, and she stepped back until she had nowhere to retreat and fell onto the bed.

Before she could struggle, Lian Rong pinned her down, one hand pressing against her neck. "Are you that afraid of me, hmm?"

"I have nothing to say to a madman." She was impatient with the way Lian Rong looked at her, daring to challenge her without fear of death.

"Mad? Ha, let me show you what madness is." Lian Rong felt a fire spreading from her feet, her hands moved forcefully, and her gaze was so cold it seemed like she wanted to tear apart the person beneath her.

Gu Hengbo’s fear deepened from surprise to bone-chilling dread. She desperately pushed against the person pressing her down, tears spilling over like a broken dam. She did not dare look into Lian Rong’s eyes, which were so cold they seemed ready to swallow her whole. Her resistance felt like hitting cotton—useless. "Don’t treat me like this, mom, save me."

"……"

"Your Highness, the Emperor and Empress have arrived," a voice came from outside.

Lian Rong glanced at the person beneath her, whose face was pale, filled with tears, and trembling badly, clearly terrified. She moved off her body, adjusted her clothing, and said, "This king will go now."