"Um......Uncomfortable."
Another uncontrollable sound.
"Young Master..." Her breath was unsteady, and when she panted, her lips and teeth opened slightly, allowing a glimpse of her charming little tongue, alluring yet unaware, "Shuangxi Pavilion has cold water..."
Zhao Changdu's handsome brows furrowed, "You--"
The little girl's face had already turned red beyond recognition, her lips even bitten and bleeding, bright red beads seeping out. He could imagine how potent the drug inside her was.
Gu Ying lifted her chin, gazing at the man's resolute, icy jaw, and reached out both arms, clinging tightly around his neck.
She was already trying her best to keep her sanity, but as things progressed...the situation had become increasingly out of control.
She even took the initiative to grab at Zhao Changdu's clothes. After her small hands touched that hard, sturdy chest, a feeling of comfort spread from her fingertips all the way to her heart.
She looked at the man's handsome face like a child, increasingly thirsty as she burrowed into his embrace.
She was clearly averse to this kind of thing, but facing him, there was no revolting odor she couldn't stand, only a subtle, indescribable fragrance that weakly hooked her scattered mind...
"It hurts... Ah... So uncomfortable."
She felt extremely wronged and struggled in agony.
Zhao Changdu's eyes sank, and he held the girl without further delay, striding out of Suiyu Pavilion in large steps.
Before leaving, he glanced at Jiang Yin lying unconscious in the snow, his eyes narrowing dangerously.
Hearing the pitiful voice of the little girl in his arms, he thought, this time he should be taught a lesson.
There was a panicked maid peeking in the corridor, who hadn't had time to leave and report.
Zhao Changdu just glanced lightly in that direction, his gaze like a sword, killing intent evident, and the maid trembled in fright, kneeling down with a thud.
"Go call your young miss over."
"Yes! This slave will go do it now..."
"Did you see anyone else in Suiyu Pavilion?"
"No!" The maid didn't even dare lift her head, her voice trembling, "This slave didn't see anything! Second Miss only rested in Suiyu Pavilion for a while, then went straight back to Shuangxi Pavilion."
Zhao Changdu let out a satisfied "Um", "Say one more word, and I'll send you to see King Yama."
The maid's face turned deathly pale. She hurriedly lifted her skirt and ran towards the lively main hall.
...
In the main hall.
Stood five Qilin Army soldiers with solemn, cold, ruthless faces.
Just these five people, the undisguised killing intent radiating from them, had already frightened the entire Gu family.
Behind those Qilin Army soldiers were more than a dozen guards from the Duke Manor, and behind them were countless boxes of betrothal gifts that couldn't be counted at a glance.
The famous matchmaker Qian from Bianjing was elegantly dressed at the very front, her big red lips and red fur flowers, along with an enormous matchmaker's mole.
She was holding a kerchief in her hand and chatting with Gu Old Madam, "Old Madam, today is truly a joyous occasion for the Duke Manor. The young master of Zhenguo Duke Manor personally came to our manor to propose marriage to one of your manor's young ladies!"
Gu Old Madam was surprised. "Propose marriage?"
Without announcing it beforehand, everything was so sudden?
"Yes! It wouldn't be bringing so many betrothal gifts if it wasn't a proposal. These gifts are extremely valuable, most of them prepared by the young master himself, which shows his sincerity in proposing to the young lady of our manor!" Qian said joyfully.
"The young master also came to me personally, which means he is determined to marry one of our manor's young ladies. Old Madam, you should be happy!"
Not only was Gu Old Madam bewildered, even the first wife's family were extremely shocked.
The eldest young lady of Dongping Earl Manor was already engaged, leaving only Gu Ying, Gu Wan, and Gu Shuang.
Gu Jia's face was black with displeasure.
She was angry, hateful, envious and jealous. If not for Jiang Yin's violation of her, such a tremendous opportunity would have been hers first!
All those betrothal gifts in the courtyard should have been hers!
She was furious, glaring at Gu Wan and Gu Shuang standing beside her.
Gu Shuang was still alright, with a hint of worry in her eyes, seeming reluctant about the marriage. But Gu Wan, a concubine's daughter, actually dared to be shy and expectant?
Did she think the young master of Zhenguo Duke Manor, personally appointed by His Majesty as Commander of the Imperial Guards, would look upon her?
Don't even think about it!
Qian sized up the few young ladies in front of her, smiling meaningfully, "Old Madam, what are you still dazed for? The young master seems to be in a hurry about this matter. The young master is already twenty-five, the age to get married. Many families in the capital already have ideas, but the young master doesn't like them and can't do anything about it. Now the young master has chosen the young lady of your manor. The young master also said that although it's a bit rushed, propriety must not be neglected. All the proper betrothal gifts and procedures will be completed without omission. Old Madam, you should be happy!"
Gu Old Madam was moved on the inside but remained steady on the outside like an old dog.
Naturally she was happy. After losing the marriage with Yong'an Marquis Manor, they had gained Zhenguo Duke Manor!
If this marriage succeeded, it would be a tremendous honor for Dongping Earl Manor!
It was just that none of these young ladies, no matter who, were worthy of the status of the young master. She was afraid there might be some trickery involved.
Liu couldn't contain her excitement as she looked at the courtyard full of betrothal gifts, and asked Qian impatiently, "Madame Qian, which of my daughters does the young master want to propose to?"
Qian deliberately sold them a clue, smiling, "The young master said the one he wants to propose to is the most gentle and virtuous young lady of your manor."
"Gentle and virtuous, isn't that my Shuang'er?" Zhao said excitedly, hurriedly pulling Gu Shuang's sleeve.
Gu Shuang tensed up, frightened silly.
"Ah? Mother, don't speak nonsense!"
How could the young master want to marry her... She didn't even know the young master at all...
The usually indifferent Wang laughed, "Sister, what are you saying? Shuang is still young, and can't really be associated with gentle and virtuous."
Zhao let out a cold laugh, "Sister rarely speaks to you. Now in front of the matchmaker, you say my Shuang is not gentle and virtuous. Could it be you think the young master would propose to your concubine's daughter?"
At the word concubine, everyone looked sharply at Qian, nerves taut.
After all, Gu Shuang and Gu Wan were both concubine's daughters... The only two legitimate daughters of the manor were Gu Jia, who was already engaged, and Gu Ying of the second wife's family.
Would the esteemed young master look upon Gu Ying?
