Chapter 75

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Chapter 75: Title

Although Madam Dou was the second lady of the Prime Minister’s residence, she was still in a secondary position. When going out to offer incense, if it weren’t for Gu Hengbo’s status, they would probably have just a maid and a carriage driver.

Gu Hengbo felt quite frustrated. Because she now held the title of Prince Rong’s princess, Gu Yuanqing had arranged several people to accompany them. If not for wanting to avoid drawing too much attention, they would have even had a large escort.

Madam Dou had never imagined that one day she would leave the Prime Minister’s residence and that man. Now, for her daughter and for herself, she was willing to take this risk, but the cold sweat on her palms revealed her nervousness. Gu Hengbo noticed the faint furrow in Madam Dou’s brow and gently placed her hand on hers. "Mother, don’t be afraid. Meisheng is here."

Madam Dou nodded and said nothing.

Qingfeng lifted the carriage curtain to look outside. They arrived just as the carriage reached the city gate. She lowered the curtain and quietly said, "The master has sent seven or eight people to follow us. Miss, how will we leave without being noticed?"

As long as they got out of the city, everything would be manageable.

Gu Hengbo glanced lightly through the swaying carriage curtain and said, "Don’t worry, we’ll definitely leave today."

It wasn’t the busy season for offerings, so Daguan Temple was quiet. They only ran into a few people on their way. Gu Hengbo felt a wave of nostalgia—this was her second visit to Daguan Temple, the first place she had arrived after her journey began, and where she had met someone for the first time.

"Miss, should we make offerings?" Qingfeng, walking ahead, suddenly asked.

Gu Hengbo’s thoughts were interrupted. She kept her expression neutral and said softly, "Since we’re here, let’s light some incense and pray for our safety."

Madam Dou nodded. "The last time I came was last year. Since we’re here now, let’s do as Meisheng says. Who knows when we’ll be back?" She walked on, unsure if they’d ever return.

After making their offerings, the three of them stepped out of the Buddha hall, and a young monk approached.

"The Eldest Son has been waiting for you in the side hall for some time."

Gu Hengbo nodded slightly. "Thank you for leading the way, little master."

The young monk gestured for them to follow and led them to the side hall.

As Gu Hengbo helped Madam Dou through the doorway, a figure in blue approached. "Second Mother, Meisheng."

Madam Dou was startled. She had suspected the person the young monk mentioned was Gu Cheng, the Eldest Son of the Prime Minister’s residence.

"Cheng’er, how are you here?" Madam Dou felt awkward and didn’t know what to say.

Gu Cheng sighed. "Meisheng has already told me everything. Since Second Mother has made up her mind, I won’t say more. If we’re leaving, let’s go as far as we can. Leaving the Prime Minister’s residence might not be a bad thing."

Qingfeng’s eyes reddened. "You truly are understanding, Eldest Son."

Gu Cheng smiled. "I’ve prepared the carriage and funds for you. There are also some changes of clothes on the carriage, and I asked Qiao Ru to prepare some food in advance; it should last you a few days."

"Brother…" Gu Hengbo’s nose tingled, unable to hide her emotions.

Gu Cheng patted her shoulder. "I haven’t given you much growing up; all I hope is that you can be happy. Since you aren’t doing well in Prince Rong’s residence, let’s go far away. Traveling north, you’ll pass through six state cities, and there are my people in each place. When you arrive, someone will be waiting for you at each city gate. Once you cross the border, it’s the Northern Region. Upon reaching the capital, find someone named Zou Yuan. He’s an official in the Northern Region and a friend of mine. I’ve already written to him. Be sure to find him when you arrive; he’ll help you arrange things. As for the farm you mentioned, just ask him for help."

Gu Hengbo didn’t know what else to say. She nodded in agreement with everything Gu Cheng said.

Gu Cheng thought for a moment and added, "I’ve drugged the few people outside; they won’t wake up for a while. I’ll delay the news from reaching the Prime Minister’s residence. For your safety on the road, I’ll have Xiao Tang escort you all the way to the Eastern Region border. You don’t need to worry about anything else, Qingfeng."

Qingfeng was surprised. "Eldest Son?"

"Since Second Mother is willing to bring you along, she must see you as family. If anything happens and Meisheng can’t write, you can write to me on her behalf. You know my residence, right?"

Qingfeng nodded. "Eldest Son, don’t worry, I know."

Gu Cheng nodded and sighed. "The northern sixteen states aren’t entirely safe right now, so when you arrive, don’t linger and leave as soon as possible."

Gu Hengbo suddenly remembered, "Aren’t the sixteen states under the Duke of Beiyuan’s influence? Are Lian Chen and Lianyang over there?"

Gu Cheng nodded. "It’s best if you don’t run into them. The fewer people who know about your departure, the better."

"…"

*

When Gu Cheng escorted them to a small path outside Daguan Temple, he saw Qiao Ru standing by the carriage in the distance. Gu Hengbo called out, "Sister-in-law."

Qiao Ru greeted her with a smile and was about to bow to Madam Dou when Madam Dou stopped her. "Good child, your and Cheng’er’s kindness toward me and Meisheng will be remembered for a lifetime. If you both are well, I can rest easy."

"Second Mother, once Gu Cheng has some free time from business, I’ll go to the Northern Region to see you."

Madam Dou nodded, her eyes red.

Helping Madam Dou into the carriage, Qingfeng also climbed in. Gu Hengbo hugged Gu Cheng and sniffled. "Brother, Meisheng has never blamed you for anything. Please don’t blame yourself for that incident anymore, okay?"

Gu Cheng gently patted her back, his voice hoarse. "Silly girl."

Gu Hengbo released her embrace and hugged Qiao Ru again. She stepped back and smiled, "I, Gu Meisheng, am a straightforward person. I won’t say much, but I hope to hear you call me aunt or sister-in-law next time. Keep up the good work."

Qiao Ru’s face turned slightly red, and she shot her a teasing look. "If you keep talking nonsense, I’ll have Qu Ying come after you."

Gu Hengbo was startled. "No, I’ve already forgotten about her!"

Qiao Ru laughed. "Alright, it’s getting late, hurry and get in the carriage."

Gu Cheng waved at her. "If you don’t leave soon, big brother might regret it."

Gu Hengbo took a deep breath and bowed deeply to both of them. "We’ll meet again someday. Meisheng will definitely treat big brother and sister-in-law to a meal."

Gu Cheng shook his head helplessly. "Take care of Second Mother, and take care of yourself, okay?"

Gu Hengbo jumped onto the carriage and waved goodbye. "I know! Big brother, take good care of sister-in-law. Meisheng’s farm is always open to you."

As the carriage moved further away, Qiao Ru leaned against Gu Cheng and asked with concern, "Is there really no problem at Prince Rong’s residence?" At this moment, she wasn’t worried about the Prime Minister’s residence; she feared that Prince Rong would find out about Gu Cheng.

Gu Cheng smiled nonchalantly. "If Meisheng truly has feelings for her, what difference does it make if she’s found? Matters of the heart can’t be forced."

Qiao Ru frowned. "I’m afraid if they find you here, and if Meisheng can’t leave this time, Prince Rong is a royal relative, and we’ll all end up in the Tiangong Division."

Gu Cheng unconsciously tightened his grip on Qiao Ru. They had already taken such steps; how could he just watch them suffer?

Qiao Ru sighed. "Forget it, since it has come to this, whatever decision you make, whether it’s life or death, I’ll stand by you."

"Qiao Ru… thank you."

*

News of the assassination of the Princess of Prince Rong and Madam Dou on their way to Daguan Temple spread quickly, stirring significant unrest in the royal city.

Prince Rong’s residence

In the spacious hall, many people knelt, and the only one standing firmly was the current Prime Minister, Gu Yuanqing. He looked at the person seated at the top, knowing today’s incident was not something that could be resolved easily.

"Your Highness."

"Everyone, leave."

"Your Highness?"

"Leave."

Qian Yue entered from outside, gestured to Gu Yuanqing to take a seat, and sent everyone else away before returning.

"Your Highness, there is still no news from Qingfeng," Qian Yue said, lowering her eyes.

"……"

"I’ve already sent someone to investigate the whereabouts of the princess. It shouldn’t take long."

"Bring them back."

"What?!" Qian Yue looked up at the person on the couch, her red robes contrasting sharply with her pale face. "Your Highness?"

"Bring them back, there’s no need to pursue."

"……" Qian Yue could no longer describe her feelings as mere shock. This was the first time Qingfeng had openly defied her master. She was originally an informant planted in the Prime Minister’s residence, and now she had run away with Gu Hengbo without informing them. It was as if she had lost all patience with life. What was worse was that the princess had escaped, and her master didn’t even plan to chase after her.

"You can leave as well."

“Prince, are you okay?” Qian Yue felt a bit uneasy. Her master clearly seemed to be…

“Leave.”

Qian Yue had no choice but to step outside.

Lian Rong leaned on the bed, her mind blank. As cunning as she was, at this moment, she found herself thinking of nothing, simply sitting there in a daze.

Perhaps she sat for too long; she didn’t even realize that the fingers supporting her forehead were trembling slightly.