Chapter 36 Beauty Makes You Close Your Eyes

"After I go back, I hope you can accept one thing from me."

Yu Wenxue knew that his thought process was unusual, and the conditions he could propose were mostly extraordinary.

However, it's quite rare to see something reach this level.

She asked again incredulously, "You mean, the gift you want is for me to accept your gift?"

No, no, they've all confused her.

As soon as the words left my mouth, my tongue almost tied itself in knots.

Why is it so confusing, like a tongue twister?

Gu Yun Shen stared at her: "Mm."

The air was filled with the laughter of children and the fragrance of flowers and birdsong. She looked at Yi Li's beautiful face and nodded without much thought.

It's just a matter of her accepting it, what's so difficult about that?

Even if he wanted the stars in the sky, he couldn't pluck them down.

...

Thanks to the efforts of the Lin family father and daughter and Lu Qingsheng, the plague in Yidong has been brought under control with initial success. The spread of the plague has slowed down compared to before, and fewer and fewer people are dying. Most of them have recovered.

The Emperor was overjoyed, and the Lin family rewarded everyone for their contributions. Lin Qingwan was especially recognized for her outstanding performance in leading the charge and was exceptionally granted the title of Princess Hexian.

The gifts flowed into the backyard like a river, and the Lin family was at the height of their glory.

At the dinner table, Gu Rongting announced a major event.

"I have resigned from my official post."

Upon hearing this, everyone turned to look at him, their eyes filled with astonishment.

Only Gu Yun Shen didn't look at him. He casually peeled a grape and put it in Yu Wenxue's bowl.

Yu Wenxue took a bite, her little face scrunched up, and she almost cried from the sourness. "What kind of grapes are these? They're so sour!"

"Is it sour?" Gu Yun Shen tasted one himself and said without changing his expression, "I don't think so."

"Sour for a boy, spicy for a girl, then you should eat more." Yu Wenxue pretended to place a whole plate of grapes in front of him, raised her chin, "Eat up, I guarantee you'll have 108 big, fat boys."

Upon hearing this, Gu Yun Shen frowned slightly and subconsciously looked at Yu Wen Xue, but quickly regained his composure and chuckled lightly, as if he had thought of something.

The brief interruption between the two didn't last long, and they listened attentively as Gu Rongting continued speaking.

During their absence, many things happened in the capital.

Gu Huaisheng was paralyzed in bed, and Princess Tong'an was half-mad. This ill-fated couple eventually became a pair of useless people, hating each other.

The old lady intended for Gu Rongting to inherit both branches of the family line, so she married Luo, the wife of the deceased third master from the second branch.

Gu Rongting naturally disagreed and refused in every way, but unexpectedly, this Luo Shi, dressed in a light gauze dress, knocked on his study late at night with a bowl of nourishing soup.

He had never seen anything like this before. He was filled with shame and anger, and slunk away, spending the night outside.

The following morning, the family officially announced their separation.

Madam Cui and Gu Rongting were not related by blood. They lived together in the past out of old affection, and she respectfully addressed her as "Grandmother."

After the ghost marriage incident, Gu Rongting completely took away her power as the head of the household. It was because of this that she developed inappropriate thoughts and wanted to use Luo Shi to rise to power and completely control the Gu family.

Gu Rongting made a decisive move and sent the old lady and Luo Shi to another courtyard. However, considering that she was already over sixty years old and out of consideration for their past relationship, he did not hand her over to the authorities.

Lin Qingwan clutched her handkerchief tightly, never expecting that so much had happened during her absence.

Yu Wenxue stood by and watched, listening while eating the sliced ​​melon on her plate.

Gu Huaisheng was paralyzed, and Luo Yun and the old lady were kicked out. It was truly a case of reaping what you sow. Even her mood improved considerably.

Just as she was about to share her joy with Gu Yun Shen beside her, her hand suddenly went emptied. Turning around, she saw him being hurriedly called away by the guards.

I almost forgot, he's about to leave.

I don't know when we'll meet again.

Yu Wenxue put down the melon in her hand and felt that it wasn't as sweet as before.

*

With Gu Rongting's arrival, Yu Wenxue's important business also needs to be put on the agenda.

For example, we should find a way to get rid of Wu Yu, that annoying cannon fodder.

Actually, dealing with him wouldn't be difficult, but Yu Wenxue knew that once she opened her mouth to Gu Yunshen, he would only use his own methods to defeat her.

After being subjected to all sorts of torture, even the toughest bone will have to bow its head.

The scene was so bloody and violent just thinking about it.

At night, Yu Wenxue lay in bed, tossing and turning, contemplating life. She stayed up all night, and the next morning, with dark circles under her eyes, she went to see Lin Qingwan.

She came up with a good idea to lure the snakes out of their hole, but she needed Lin Qingwan's cooperation to catch all the bad guys in one fell swoop.

As soon as you enter, you can hear laughter and chatter in the courtyard. Lin Qingwan and Gu Rongting are sitting under the grape trellis. One is dignified and the other is elegant. They look like people in a painting and they are a perfect match.

She stopped, not wanting to disturb this beautiful scene.

Give me a kiss, give me a kiss.

She silently recited it in her heart.

"Miss Yu."

My heart, which had been hanging in suspense, died.

She was in a good mood, if she hadn't met Wu Yu here.

Since Gu Rongting started living here, Wu Yu has calmed down considerably. He no longer spends all his time hanging around Lin Qingwan like before, leaving early and returning late every day.

But Yu Wenxue always felt that he was plotting something bad, and after following him for several days, nothing came of it.

"Does Miss Yu know where Lord Gu is?"

Yu Wenxue was taken aback, then said, "At this time, they are most likely at the government office."

"You need to see him for something?"

Wu Yu flashed his neat white teeth: "I recently acquired a painting. I don't understand Central Plains culture, so I'd like to invite him to appreciate it together."

Yu Wenxue had some doubts and couldn't help but ask, "He's leaving the city the day after tomorrow, why are you looking for him to appreciate paintings at this time?"

"It is precisely because he is leaving the day after tomorrow that he chose to extend such a warm invitation tonight."

Wu Yu's words were so watertight that they gave no one a chance to doubt him.

Thinking about it, that made sense. Yu Wenxue didn't intend to make a decision for Gu Yunshen, so she went along with what he said: "If I see him, I'll let him know for you."

If anything were to happen, Gu Yun Shen would be able to handle it.

Remembering what Lu Qingsheng had said, Yu Wenxue tentatively asked, "I heard that Young Master Wu had previously contracted the plague. I wonder what the symptoms were?"

Wu Yu calmly said, "Compared to the plague in the Central Plains, this one is far more severe. When you get sick, you have a high fever that won't go down, and your whole body is covered with red rashes that are incredibly itchy. If you don't scratch them, they will leave scars."

Do you have any scars on your body?

"Traces were left on his arms and waist."

Yu Wenxue had a sudden inspiration and pointed to his arm, asking, "Can I take a look? This will also make it easier to prepare the scar-removing ointment, just in case."

Wu Yu paused for a moment, then quickly recovered, stretched out his arm, and said, "It's alright."

The people of Cochinchina have a darker complexion, and the new flesh that grows back from scars is a dark pinkish-black.

Yu Wenxue looked down at the scars of varying depths and thought to herself that this person really wasn't lying.

She leaned closer, wanting to get a better look, but was pulled back by a strong arm.

"Lord Gu," Wu Yu said with delight.

After briefly explaining his purpose, Wu Yu said sincerely, "I hope Lord Gu can keep me company."

Yu Wenxue pricked up her ears, wanting to hear how he would refuse.

Gu Yun Shen disdains attending various elegant gatherings and banquets, so why would he easily accept his invitation?

If you asked him to go kill someone, he might get more excited...

Immediately afterwards, the boy's playful voice rang out: "Okay."

They agreed quite readily.

Yu Wenxue thought to herself.

After Wu Yu left, she grabbed Gu Yunshen's wrist and said seriously, "You just agreed like that? Aren't you afraid he'll do something underhanded?"

Gu Yunshen raised an eyebrow, neither confirming nor denying: "You're worried about me?"

"Of course." Yu Wenxue patted his shoulder and looked at him with the eyes of someone looking at an idiot: "You forgot about that Gu worm last time, there might be others."

"I've researched a lot of information. The Gu worms from Miao territory are very dangerous. Besides the Lovesick Gu I encountered last time, there are other Gu worms that turn you into a puppet, Gu worms that cause you to feel feverish all over, Gu worms that cause you to lose your mind..."

"There are so many that you can't count them on two hands... Wait, why are you still laughing?"

Sunlight streamed onto the grape trellis, casting dappled shadows.

Tiny specks of light shone between Gu Yun Shen's brows, making him appear like a fairy.

"Would you like some grapes?" The caring tone pulled her back to reality.

Yu Wenxue swallowed, somewhat forgetting what she had just said.

She took a deep breath and scratched her head helplessly: "Don't you really find it sour?"

Gu Yun Shen curled his eyelashes, casually peeled a piece and put it in his mouth, "It's clearly sweet."

"You probably have something wrong with your tongue."

Yu Wenxue slapped her forehead, finally remembering what she was going to say, "In short, you must be careful and carry some sleeping pills with you."

To avoid being seduced by his good looks again, she simply closed her eyes and spoke to him: "If absolutely necessary, remember to leave him with a complete corpse."

Gu Yun Shen paused for a moment, then touched the corner of her eye with his fingertips before sliding them down again.

Only in front of her can I talk about this topic without any reservations.

After a long silence, he gave a soft hum: "Then I'll listen to you."

*

When the appointed time arrived, Wu Yu took the painting and rushed to Wanshouzhai.

Wanshouzhai is the largest restaurant in the city, located on the riverbank with a beautiful view.

A plague has damaged the fortunes of the people of Yidong. Although things have gradually improved, there are still not many people coming to the restaurant to eat.

Wu Yu reserved a private room on the second floor, where the view was unobstructed and it was easy to observe their movements.

Yesterday, Yu Wenxue had examined the scar on his arm, so he made a special trip back to the mountain to check it out. Only when he saw that the Gu worm inside was still intact did he feel relieved and go to keep his appointment.

Since it was an alliance, it wouldn't be good to go empty-handed. He took out an object wrapped in a handkerchief from his pocket, which was a piece of uncarved jade.

Before long, Gu Yun Shen arrived at the appointed time, neither too early nor too late, just in time.

Wu Yu gave a friendly smile: "Lord Gu, please have a seat."

Gu Yunshen nodded in acknowledgment, glancing out of the corner of his eye at what seemed to be some spilled soup on the chair; it was sticky and carried a hint of muttony smell.

He frowned and sat down on the other side.

Wu Yu was very pleased that he had the honor of meeting him.

I had long heard that he was born out of wedlock, and might not even be of the Gu family bloodline. He was not favored by the old Gu family and was abandoned in a temple at the age of eight, where he suffered greatly.

And this just fulfilled his wish.

Wu Yu spoke frankly: "Lord Gu, I've heard that you and the Gu brothers don't get along?"

Gu Yun Shen picked up his wine glass, swirled it in the light, and asked, "Hmm?"

"To be honest, I admire Miss Lin... she should be called Princess Hexian now, but it seems that her heart belongs only to Marquis Gu..."

Wu Yu stopped there, confident that Gu Yunshen was a smart man who would surely understand the hidden meaning in his words.

Gu Yunshen absentmindedly hummed in agreement.

This reaction was beyond Wu Yu's expectations. He continued in his broken accent, "We are both from the Gu family, but you suffered greatly in your childhood, even losing an ear. On the other hand, Gu Rongting enjoys wealth and honor and is a favored son of heaven. Don't you have any resentment in your heart?"

"so what?"

A ruthless glint flashed in Wu Yu's eyes: "You don't like him, and I also see him as a thorn in my side. Why don't we join forces and get rid of him!"

Gu Yunshen's lips curved into a handsome smile, and he chuckled briefly.

"So that's why you were looking for me."

Seeing this, Wu Yu thought he had a chance, so he presented the jade he had prepared earlier, saying, "This is a small token of my appreciation, please accept it, sir."

Gu Yun Shen accepted the jade; its color was crystal clear, and it was indeed very valuable.

He said lazily, "Do you want his life or...?"

"Drive them out of eastern Yunnan?"

Upon hearing his explanation, Wu Yu immediately laughed, completely accepting the alliance. He stood up, walked to his side, and poured him a cup of wine. "As long as we do it discreetly, that's fine. Does Your Excellency have any ideas?"

Gu Yunshen didn't drink his wine, but instead looked out the window.

There seem to be fireworks tonight; we should invite Yu Wenxue to come and see.

"Sorry, I have no interest in killing."

Upon hearing this, Wu Yu's expression changed.

People in the martial arts world like to form alliances over wine. His outstretched hand stopped in mid-air as he advised, "Sir."

During the action, he accidentally spilled some wine on himself.

The silvery-white swallow-shaped sachet was instantly soaked.

Wu Yu didn't take it to heart. "If you think this piece of jade isn't enough, sir, we have all sorts of rare and precious treasures in Jiaozhi. Why don't you come back with me and choose a few?"

"You've soiled my sachet," Gu Yun Shen said calmly.

"It's just a sachet. Even if there are ten or a hundred, I'll have them all."

"I don't like others touching my things." Gu Yun Shen glanced at him, then picked up the longsword beside him and left.

Wu Yu blocked his way at the door. What was supposed to be a done deal was ruined, probably because of this sachet.

He instinctively pulled Gu Yunshen's arm around his waist, saying ingratiatingly, "Don't worry, I'll go back and make an even better one..."

Unexpectedly, the sachet was tied very tightly, and he tore it when he exerted force.

The clumsy wooden dog carving also fell to the ground and broke in two.

Before he could react, most of his body was already hanging out of the window, teetering on the verge of falling.

Below that is the lake.

"Sir, please spare my life!"

"Are you still touching it recklessly?"

"No, I won't touch it..."

Gu Yun Shen ignored him and picked up the sachet and the puppy from the ground, blowing off the dust.

"But you broke it."

Wu Yu was hanging halfway up the second-floor windowsill, his stomach churning violently.

This is clearly a living Yama!

In a moment of desperation, he started cursing in the Jiaozhi language.

Gu Yun Shen leaned against the wall, wiping the wooden dog carving with his sleeve without even lifting his eyelids.

He only slowly raised his head when Yu Wenxue's name was mentioned on the other end.

What did you just say?

"I'm telling you, none of you are good people, you're all having an affair!"

"I see." Gu Yun Shen put away the broken wooden dog carving, then activated the mechanism on his wrist.

With a "plop," waves surged up on the lake's surface.

"Tsk, I still left you with a whole corpse."

Fireworks celebrating the end of the plague lit up outside the window, their brilliance dazzling.

Gu Yunshen watched for a while, then stepped out of the room with a radiant expression.

He was so obedient today, I have to take credit for it.

Author's Note: Daughter: May you give birth to 108 big, healthy babies! [Oh, oh, oh]

Xiao Gu: I'm thinking about the process, please don't disturb me. [Sunglasses]

Tomorrow I'm going to be on the new book's 1000-word list, so the update time will be postponed to 11 PM. More red envelopes in the next chapter! [hugs][hugs]