In the evening, heart-wrenching coughs were heard in the Weiyang Palace.

The palace maids came in and out, each one looking apprehensive. They were all worried about the Empress's health and whether she could hold on.

When Eunuch Fang, the Junior Supervisor of the Imperial Household, arrived at the Weiyang Palace, he first asked the palace maid guarding the door, "How is the Empress?"

"Reporting to Junior Supervisor Fang, the Empress has been coughing all afternoon. The Imperial Physician has used medicine and acupuncture, but there has been no improvement."

Fang Shaojian frowned, hesitated for a second, and then walked into the bedroom without hesitation.

The imperial physician is removing the needle.

Fang Shaojian bowed and stood aside waiting.

After the needle was removed and she drank the medicine, Queen Cui finally felt better and coughed less.

She looked at the imperial physician and asked, "How long can my body hold on?"

The imperial physician dared not reply, and only said, "Your Majesty, please relax and recuperate."

Empress Cui narrowed her eyes. "I know my own health very well. I am very lucky to have survived until now. Now, I just want to hear the truth."

this……

The imperial physician dared not tell the truth, so he turned to Fang Shaojian for help.

Fang Shaojian walked out from the shadows and stood in the candlelight, "Greetings to the Empress."

"You're here."

Fang Shaojian said, "Your Majesty, the young master has ordered you to go to the prefectural yamen in the capital today to report the case."

"oh!"

Queen Cui smiled meaningfully.

She waved her hand, and the imperial physician, as if pardoned, bowed and hurriedly left the bedroom.

The palace maids also left one after another.

The Empress urged Fang Shaojian and said, "Come closer so I can see more clearly."

Fang Shaojian came to the bedside and asked worriedly, "Madam, are you feeling better?"

Empress Cui smiled and said, "My body is just getting by. One day at a time is enough."

"Your Majesty, please take care of yourself and relax."

Empress Cui sighed, "You've seen the current situation. How can I relax? The Crown Prince... well... I can only do my best and leave the rest to fate."

Fang Shaojian's expression darkened.

Empress Cui looked at him and asked, "Did you just say that the prince had gone to the government office to report the case?"

"Exactly."

"What's going on?"

Fang Shaojian cleared his throat and said, "Young Master Zhao was having dinner at Tongfu Restaurant today. It is said that a jade pendant fell from his mouth, so he went to the government office to report it."

"Has the government accepted it?"

"The government dares not refuse to accept the case."

Empress Cui laughed. "That's true. Tongfu Restaurant, if I remember correctly, is owned by Concubine Xue's family."

"On the surface, the Xue family is behind Tongfu Restaurant, but in reality, it's His Royal Highness Prince Zhao."

Prince Zhao is the son of Concubine Xue and the biggest competitor for His Royal Highness the Crown Prince.

Empress Cui narrowed her eyes. "What is the deep meaning behind this action of Prince Zhao? Could it be that Prince Ning is also getting impatient?"

Prince Ning was Liu Zhao's father and the second among the princes.

Fang Shaojian said, "Prince Ning and Prince Zhao don't have any real conflict, at least not at the moment. Logically speaking, Prince Ning doesn't need to target Prince Zhao at this time."

Queen Cui half closed her eyes, thinking about this matter.

"Do you think Prince Ning and Gongzi Zhao, father and son, have a deeper meaning behind this action?"

Fang Shaojian said, "On the surface, Gongzi Zhao's move is aimed at His Royal Highness the Prince of Zhao. However, I'm worried that their real intention is not to drink, but to target His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."

Empress Cui nodded secretly. "Send someone to keep an eye on this matter and intervene directly when necessary. Make sure Prince Ning and Prince Zhao fight each other, so that the Crown Prince can... ahem..."

Before she could finish her words, Queen Cui started coughing violently.

Fang Shaojian suddenly became anxious, "My Lady, are you okay? Someone come."

The imperial physicians and palace maids came in as well-trained people, some gave acupuncture, some brought medicine, and some brought water.

After struggling for most of the day, Queen Cui finally stopped coughing and came back from the brink of death.

Her face was pale and she looked exhausted, too weak to speak.

Fang Shaojian became more and more worried.

He gave Doctor Wang a wink, then he was the first to leave the bedroom.

A moment later, Doctor Wang came out of the bedroom.

Fang Shaojian asked, "Doctor Wang, tell us the truth, how much time does the Empress have left?"

Doctor Wang broke out in a cold sweat, "Young Supervisor Fang..."

"Just tell me how much time the Queen has left. Don't mention any other nonsense."

Imperial Physician Wang wiped the sweat from his forehead, looked around, and then whispered, "Your Majesty trusts Junior Supervisor Fang, and I will not conceal the truth. Your Majesty's health could change at any time... In short, please ask Junior Supervisor Fang to make preparations early."

Fang Shaojian's expression changed slightly, "Your Majesty could really..."

Imperial Physician Wang nodded. "It's truly a miracle that the Empress has managed to survive this long. Originally, everyone in the Imperial Hospital had predicted that the Empress wouldn't survive this autumn. It's already winter."

If the Queen can survive this winter and wait until next spring when the weather gradually warms up, there might still be a glimmer of hope."

"Does the Queen really still have a glimmer of hope?"

Doctor Wang sighed, "It's difficult, very difficult. I'm afraid this winter..."

Doctor Wang did not say what was left unsaid, but he had already explained everything.

Empress Cui's health was already failing.

I was able to hold on until now, all thanks to that breath.

If that breath of energy were to disappear one day, Queen Cui would naturally not be able to endure it.

After saying everything that needed to be said, Doctor Wang returned to the bedroom to take care of Queen Cui in case of any accidents.

…

Inside Ganlu Palace, Concubine Xue looked towards the direction of Weiyang Palace and smiled triumphantly.

The queen can't bear it any longer.

After so many years, that woman was finally almost tormented to death by her.

The one who survives to the end is the biggest winner. Why can't the Queen understand this truth?

A palace servant came in to report, "Your Majesty, we just received news that Young Master Zhao has gone to the government office to report that he lost a jade pendant while dining at Tongfu Restaurant. The government has accepted the case."

Concubine Xue frowned. "Is Liu Zhao seeking death? Doesn't he know that the Xue family is behind Tongfu Restaurant?"

"Gongzi Zhao may have other deeper meanings behind this."

Concubine Xue snorted coldly, "Tomorrow I will go see Concubine Shu and ask her to take good care of her eldest grandson. This is really outrageous."

Concubine Xue was completely focused on Empress Cui in the Weiyang Palace and had no energy to think deeply about Liu Zhao's intentions.

It was originally just a small case of a lost jade pendant, but after some brewing and fermentation, and with people from all sides taking advantage of the situation, it will soon shake up the entire capital.

…

The commotion outside did not affect the inner quarters of the Gu Mansion.

If there is any impact, it is that Lord Gu comes home later and later.

Gu Yue's marriage and the matter of disciplining Gu Yue were all left to Xie.

That day, Xie went to Zizhuyuan to visit Gu Yue.

The injuries on Gu Yue's body, just as Doctor Zhu said, were all superficial injuries, with no bone injuries.

After a few days, the injuries had mostly healed and the wounds had scabbed over, and Gu Yue could get out of bed and move around freely.

However, when Gu Yue saw Xie, tears fell from her eyes.

Xie frowned slightly, "Why are you crying again?"

"Mother, will my injury leave a scar?"

"No. Doctor Zhu prescribed scar removal medicine, so you won't get any scars."

"But my daughter is so scared."

Xie said expressionlessly, "Since you know you're afraid, don't mess around anymore."

"My daughter doesn't dare anymore." Gu Yue looked pitiful, sobbing as she spoke.

Xie looked at her and said, "I have discussed it with your father and will arrange a marriage for you as soon as possible. I have already prepared your dowry."

Gu Yue looked up, surprise, surprise, fear, expectation, all kinds of emotions flashed in her eyes.

"Mother, Haixibo Mansion..."

Xie's eyes were as sharp as a knife and stabbed directly at Gu Yue.

Gu Yue had no choice but to shut up. She couldn't say the rest of the words. She was really scared. After five strokes of the board, she would be half dead.

It hurts so much.

When she thought of being beaten with a stick, Gu Yue started crying again.

Xie took out a handkerchief and wiped her tears. "Don't cry. I will make plans for you at the Haixi Marquis' Mansion. Just don't regret it."

Gu Yue burst into laughter and said, "I don't regret it, and my daughter will never regret it in her life."

Xie curled the corners of his mouth into a mocking smile.

"You're still young, don't talk about a lifetime. When you reach my age, you'll understand what a lifetime means."

Gu Yue nodded repeatedly, pulled Xie's arm, and acted coquettishly: "Daughters always listen to their mothers. Mother is so kind."

Xie smiled, but the smile was very short.

In a blink of an eye, she returned to her expressionless expression. "Don't hold out too much hope for the Haixi Marquis's Mansion. This marriage may not be successful."

Gu Yue lowered his head, looking gloomy.

"A mother has worked hard, and her daughter understands."

After being spanked, Gu Yue had learned her lesson. No concubine who was desperate enough to marry Zhao Erlang would do so.

But all this was just appearance. Only she knew what she was thinking in her heart.

The little maid came in from outside and said, "Madam, the young lady, the eldest young lady, the second young lady, the fourth young lady, the fifth young lady, and the sixth young lady are here to visit you."

"Please invite them in quickly." Xie said.

The little maid took the order and left.

Mrs. Xie reminded Gu Yue again, "When you meet the sisters, be polite when you speak."

"My daughter knows."

Led by Gu Jiu, the girls from the Gu Mansion filed into the bedroom.

In a moment, the bedroom was crowded with people.

"Meet the madam."

"Meet Second Aunt."

Xie nodded with a smile, "You are thinking about Yue'er, it's thoughtful of you."

Gu Jiu asked first: "Third sister, are you feeling better?"

"Thank you for your concern, second sister. I'm much better now. I heard that you all followed your aunt to learn housekeeping."

Gu Jiu nodded and said with a smile: "That's right."

Gu Yue said, "When I recover someday, I will also learn housekeeping from my aunt."

Xie said, "You are not young anymore. It's time for you to learn how to manage the household affairs."

Gu Yue lowered her head. "Mother is right. But why don't you take charge of the household? It must be tiring for my aunt to manage such a huge mansion all by herself. Mother, please come with us and share my aunt's worries."

Gu Yue looked at Xie with an innocent look on her face.

Xie laughed and said, "Don't worry, when I'm done with this busy period, I'll discuss the housekeeper issue with your aunt."

Now she still needs Zhang's help, so she doesn't want to fall out with Zhang.

After Gu Zhen and Gu Yue's marriage is settled, she will have a good talk with Zhang about the housekeeper's matter.

Since the first and second wives have not yet separated, it is not Zhang's turn to have absolute control over the family.

Gu Jun felt a little embarrassed.

At this moment, she felt like an unnecessary outsider.

The second room was discussing something, and she seemed like an eyesore.

Gu Jun thought for a moment, then pretended to be dumb and asked, "Third sister, I heard that your second uncle beat you with a stick. Why?"

Cough cough!

Everyone shifted their gazes, some lowered their heads, or pretended not to hear, yet they were all paying attention to Gu Yue's reaction.

The fact that Gu Yue was beaten with a stick could not be concealed, but many people were still confused about why he was beaten with all kinds of speculations.

Gu Zhen lowered his head, with the corners of his mouth raised, looking very proud.

It's really satisfying to see Gu Yue being beaten with a stick.

It feels so good.

I only regret that I didn’t cripple Gu Yue.

Gu Jiu noticed Gu Zhen's expression. Gu Zhen turned his head and pretended to be serious.

Gu Jiu smiled secretly, Gu Zhen finally breathed a sigh of relief, and Gu Yue was finally taught a lesson.

Everything was developing as Gu Jiu had expected.

Gu Yue's face flushed red and she glared at Gu Jun.

She is bringing up things that are not relevant to the topic. She must be trying to embarrass herself on purpose.

Gu Yue bit her lip, wondering how to answer.

Xie came to Gu Yue's rescue, "Jun girl, your third sister has a lively temper and said something wrong, so your uncle spanked her. Yue'er has learned her lesson, and this matter is over. Don't mention it in the future."

Gu Jun looked timid, "Niece, listen to your aunt. It's all my fault for bringing up Third Sister's sad story. Third Sister, I apologize to you, please don't hold it against me."

Xie patted the back of Gu Yue's hand and said with a smile: "Don't worry, Jun girl, Yue'er won't bother with you."

Gu Yue also nodded.

Gu Jun laughed, "Thank you, Third Sister. I knew you were the most generous."

Gu Yue blushed. At least she had some self-awareness and knew that she could not bear the reputation of being magnanimous.

Looking at Gu Jun's silly look, Gu Yue bit her lip and said nothing.

Mrs. Xie said, "Yue'er's body hasn't recovered yet, so she can't be tired. When she's better someday, I'll prepare a feast for you. You sisters can eat and drink together, wouldn't that be joyful?"

Xie is ordering you to leave.

Gu Jiu said:

Gu Jun smiled and said, "Third sister, take good care of yourself. We will come to see you another day. Madam, we will take our leave now."

"Go, follow your aunt and learn how to manage the household. If you learn these skills well, you won't be looked down upon by others when you marry into your husband's family."

Gu Jiu retreated with a smile.

The other sisters followed Gu Jiu out of Zizhuyuan.

The weather was cold, but no one was in a hurry to go back to their rooms.

Gu Jun looked around and knew that the sisters from the second house had something to say.

So Gu Jun took the initiative to say, "Sisters, I'm going back first. Come to my place when you have time."

"Sixth sister, take care."

Gu Shan looked at Gu Jiu and said, "Second sister, would you like to sit in my room for a while?"

"Okay!" Gu Jiu agreed happily.

"Big sister, you come too. Fifth sister, you are still young and weak, so go back to your room first."

Gu Lin stomped her feet in grievance, "Why are you talking behind my back?"

Gu Shan said, "I didn't carry you on my back. I haven't seen Aunt Bai for a while. Is she okay?"

Gu Lin was stunned for a moment, then came to her senses. She smiled awkwardly, "Thank you for your concern, Fourth Sister. Auntie is fine. I'll be leaving now."

Gu Lin left sadly.

She knew why Gu Shan avoided her, it was all because of Aunt Bai.

Gu Lin was sad, but helpless.

Gu Jiu and Gu Zhen followed Gu Shan into her room.

As soon as I sat down, I saw Gu Shan solemnly apologizing to Gu Zhen.

"Big sister, I apologize to you on behalf of my third sister. I know my apology won't do anything, but I still hope you don't hold a grudge against my third sister. She's just a bit of a fool sometimes."

Gu Zhen sneered and said sarcastically, "Gu Yue is not stupid, she is too stupid."

Gu Shan looked embarrassed and sighed.

Gu Jiu looked around and didn't expect that the quiet Gu Shan also knew the truth. He didn't know where she got the information from.

Gu Shan said again: "Third sister has learned her lesson. I hope eldest sister feels better now."

Gu Zhen questioned Gu Shan rudely, "Fourth sister, what qualifications do you have to say this? Do you really understand what Gu Yue did?"

Gu Shan nodded seriously, "I know exactly what Third Sister did."

Gu Zhen was stunned.

Then he asked angrily, "If you knew so clearly, why didn't you stop her? Why did you speak for her?"

Gu Shan said, "Big sister, you misunderstood. I only learned the truth afterward, and by then it was too late to do anything. I spoke up for Third Sister because I didn't want to see you and Third Sister become enemies. We are sisters after all, and you can't write two Gu characters with one stroke."

Gu Zhen angrily scolded, "That's enough! Fourth sister, you should stop worrying about these things. If you have time to persuade me, why not persuade Gu Yue instead? Tell her not to be so cruel and selfish. At least give her a chance to survive."