People in this world are all alike. They never care what the truth is; they only want to hear what they wish to hear.
She married into a prestigious family, and didn't know how many people were jealous and envious of her.
It was normal for her to be framed.
Gu Ying smiled gently, "It's fine. They're just baseless rumors spread by outsiders. Why would I care?"
What she cared about was the Prince's feelings alone.
As long as he believed her, why would she care what others thought?
At her age, she no longer cared what outsiders thought.
Seeing her mistress' calm smile, Yin Lan felt relieved. The mistress was very young, yet lived with such insight.
...
After the incident of Huo Qiyun being poisoned, rumors spread rapidly throughout Bianjing.
No one believed that it was Zhao Changxing who tried to poison Huo Qiyun.
Some said that Huo Qiyun seduced the Prince, incurring Gu Ying's resentment.
Others said that Huo Qiyun was unchaste and had not conceived in ten years, so her barrenness was understandable for Zhao Changxing's dislike.
Even more outlandishly, some said Gu Ying was extremely jealous and vicious, with the heart of a snake. She couldn't stand Huo Qiyun living in the Duke's manor as the Prince's concubine, so she devised a plan to kill the young lady Huo and monopolize the Prince.
From beginning to end, women were always the subject of gossip, while men remained out of sight. In everyone's minds, Zhao Changxing was merely a scapegoat pulled out to take the fall.
Everyone sympathized with Zhao Changxing for no reason, while secretly vilifying Gu Ying as a vicious demon, portraying her as a cruel, heartless, and hateful monster.
When Qin heard this, she became anxious and hurried over to the Duke's manor, worried that Gu Ying had suffered injustice.
She also worried Gu Ying was too young to handle such a big matter, so she rushed over to give her niece some advice.
That's why she urgently summoned a carriage and went with her son to pay respects at the Duke's manor.
The Gu family naturally also sent someone, but upon hearing Old Madam Gu had released Gu Jia to be taken by a sage to treat her illness, they only sent Aunt Zhao over to inquire.
Gu Shuang hadn't seen Gu Ying in a long time. Hearing of this opportunity, she hurriedly changed her clothes to accompany her mother in the carriage.
When they arrived at Changfeng Pavilion, the two families happened to meet.
Gu Shuang was anxious to see her sister and ran ahead heedlessly, crashing into a tall, sturdy "wall of meat". Her petite body bounced back. If not for the man lightly grabbing her, she surely would have fallen inelegantly into the snow.
Gu Shuang gratefully looked up to meet the man's clear, cold eyes, and her heart tightened. "Brother Ye...why is it you?"
Ye Qingchi raised a brow, his voice clear and pleasing, "I came with my mother to see Gu Ying."
Only then did Gu Shuang see Madam Qin walking ahead, completely ignoring her son in her haste, seemingly even more anxious than herself. Gu Shuang couldn't help giggling. "I also came to see my second sister...I'm sorry about earlier...Brother Ye...I didn't mean it."
She carefully eyed the small mud stain on the man's clothes, suddenly recalling his obsession with cleanliness. She became even more embarrassed, unsure what to say.
Fortunately, Brother Ye was in a good mood today, without a hint of blame. "It's nothing. I'll just wash it when I get home."
Gu Shuang's heart clenched with trepidation. Ye Qingchi was famously Bianjing's elegant gentleman, exceptionally handsome and talented. At his young age, he had already entered the Censorate and was bound for great things in the future.
His only flaws were his inability to tolerate others in his space and dirty, disorderly things.
At the winter hunt last time when she fell into the mud pool and he pulled her out, she caught a glimpse of his disgusted expression. She hadn't dared to speak for a long time afterward.
Now, she became even more awkward, unsure what to say.
Fortunately, Brother Ye seemed to be in a good mood today, without a hint of blame. "Shall we go in together?"
Gu Shuang hurried to catch up. "Alright..."
The man had long legs, making it very difficult for her to keep up. Soon, she broke out in fragrant sweat.
Noticing this, Ye Qingchi deliberately slowed his pace. His nose caught the faint scent of plum blossoms from the girl.
He tilted his head slightly for a passing glance at the red-cheeked girl. An anomalous feeling rose in his heart.
"Be careful, take your time on the slippery road," he said gently.
"Thank you, Brother Ye."
Gu Shuang brushed the heat from her cheeks. Her heart warmed to find the famous Duke's son not as unapproachable as rumored...
The two entered Changfeng Pavilion together.
Qin and Aunt Zhao were already seated on either side of Gu Ying, bombarding her with questions about the Huo Qiyun incident.
"The Prince truly agreed to send Huo Qiyun back to the Huo family?"
"Yes."
"He won't try to bring her back afterward, right?"
Neither elder believed in the Prince.
Gu Ying smiled helplessly. "No, I'm certain the Prince is not that kind of person."
Aunt Zhao stroked her slightly rounded belly a few months along. "Men are never up to any good."
Qin said, "Except for my son."
Aunt Zhao laughed. "Pardon me, I was just speaking casually, not about Young Master Qin."
Gu Ying knew they meant well for her. She patiently explained, "Auntie, consider the Prince's temperament. What woman does he not possess? If he truly wanted Huo Qiyun, there would be no need for anyone's approval. He could directly seize her back. Why go through so much trouble to send her away?"
Only then did Qin breathe easier, moving on from the matter. She became concerned again about Gu Ying's womb.
"Ying, have you used the things your auntie sent over?"
Gu Ying's ears burned. "No..."
Aunt Zhao urged, "Why ever not? Those are excellent things I wouldn't give to just anyone. Ying, you must capture the Prince's heart."
Gu Ying cried inside. With the Prince's intense virility, she had no use for those things...
Besides, he took the lead in all bedroom matters.
After breaking the taboo, the Prince had shown extensive skills. She needed no other tools to enhance their intimacy.
Sensing something, Qin meaningfully smiled. "Now that you're married, the Prince treats you well. Ying, you should still bear the Prince an heir early on."
Gu Ying blushed at her aunt's words. "Auntie, my younger sister is still here."
Only then did Qin notice her son and another demure girl sitting together. She didn't even know when they had entered. At a closer look, although the girl was ordinary, she was fair and delicate, quiet and pleasing. Qin asked, "Zhao, is this your daughter?"
Hearing his mother's voice, Ye Qingchi's brow twitched. A bad premonition emerged.
At his age, could Mother be getting ideas again?
Pregnant with child, Aunt Zhao's face glowed with health and maternal love. "Yes, her name's Shuang."
With no madam in the Gu household, Aunt Zhao managed the inner courtyard, now lacking only the madam's title. In another few months, Elder Martial Brother would honor her as the legal wife, and she would become the Highest Lady of Dongping Earl Manor. Naturally, her Shuang would also become the daughter. Marriage prospects would be far better than now.
"She's almost of age but still unwed. Esteemed Lady Qin, you are so well-connected and experienced. Might you help my Shuang find a good husband early on?"
