"They're going to bully Mother again."

Xiaoman immediately explained.

"Don't worry, they don't have the ability to bully Miss right now."

"No, I want to go and see for myself."

Gu Jinxi wouldn't listen at all.

Xiaoman quickly explained to Gu Jinxi.

However, Gu Jinxi was determined to go with her, and even declared that if Xiaoman did not allow it, he would go with her himself.

After all, with his abilities, dealing with Xiaoman and those people lurking in the shadows in the courtyard would be a piece of cake.

Upon hearing this, Xiaoman had no choice but to agree in order to appease Gu Jinxi.

Therefore, Gu Jinxi ran back to her room, took a few small weapons and the jade pendant given to her by Shen Hechuan, and then got into the carriage with Xiaoman, heading towards Gu Jingchun's direction.

While Xiaoman secretly informed Gu Jingchun, she also instructed the coachman to drive slowly in order to buy some time.

Perhaps because of Gu Jingchun's previous visit to the palace, Gu Jinxi was exceptionally persistent this time, and Xiaoman simply couldn't persuade him.

Therefore, we can only pin our hopes on Gu Jingchun now.

Hopefully, she will see her signal in time and then find a way to come back and calm Gu Jinxi down.

Meanwhile, Gu Jingchun had already arrived at Mount Li.

Mount Li is the location for this spring hunt.

When they arrived, the main force had already set up camp and was ready.

Gu Wei'ang and Chu Qianlan stood anxiously at the entrance, and when they saw Gu Jingchun arrive late, they showed some dissatisfaction.

Chu Qianlan spoke first.

Why are you only arriving now?

"Do you think this is your countryside? That you can come here anytime, anywhere?"

"You're moving so slowly. If you delay the Empress Dowager's time and disturb her rest, can you bear the consequences?"

You can't blame her for being anxious.

The Empress Dowager was really pressuring us.

The Empress Dowager's people came and called twice, and Chu Qianlan had to say a lot of things before they agreed to put in a good word for her.

Unexpectedly, Consort Hui's men also came to summon Gu Jingchun.

Chu Qianlan couldn't understand where Gu Jingchun got the ability to win the favor of the Empress Dowager and Consort Hui, so she could only smile and explain.

After having to explain it so many times, I lost my patience.

Therefore, when she saw that Gu Jingchun was late, she couldn't help but scold him.

Upon hearing this, Gu Jingchun immediately frowned and stopped in his tracks.

"The mother had not informed her daughter of the spring hunt beforehand. After the daughter learned of the news, she immediately dressed up and rushed over, but unexpectedly, her mother was still dissatisfied."

"In that case, daughter should go back."

After saying that, Gu Jingchun turned to leave.

Gu Nansheng, having been tormented by Gu Jingchun all the way, had lost all her temper. Seeing this, she stopped talking, only sighed helplessly, and looked at Chu Qianlan.

Chu Qianlan hadn't expected Gu Jingchun to be in such a bad mood. Seeing her turn to leave, she could only call out to her.

"Gu Jingchun, you stop right there."

Gu Jingchun did not stop walking.

Seeing Gu Wei'ang's warning look, Chu Qianlan disregarded everything else, gritted her teeth, and immediately said:

"Chun'er, stop."

She softened her tone, trying to make it as gentle as possible.

"I was wrong just now. I said the wrong thing. Please don't take it to heart."

Upon hearing this, Gu Jingchun finally stopped and turned around.

"Is our daughter late this time?"

No.

Chu Qianlan's smile was forced and insincere.

"This is because your mother did not inform you of the time of the spring hunt, which caused you to be late. This is not your fault, but your mother's fault."

I hope you won't take it to heart by arguing with your mother.

After saying that, Chu Qianlan saw Gu Jingchun smile with satisfaction.

"In that case, I will go and see the Empress Dowager now."

As Gu Jingchun spoke, he stepped forward and, led by a palace maid, went to see the Empress Dowager.

Chu Qianlan watched her retreating figure, her hands trembling with anger.

Gu Yunjin, who was holding Chu Qianlan's hand, naturally noticed her anger.

Therefore, she gently stroked Chu Qianlan's back and softly comforted her, "Mother, you don't need to be angry because of her."

She was just a widow, and now she had been summoned by the Empress Dowager without cause; she must have offended the Empress Dowager in some way.

Chu Qianlan turned to look at her upon hearing this.

"really?"

Gu Yunjin nodded.

"Mother, you can think about it. She is a widow. Why would the Empress Dowager summon her?"

If it wasn't because of a mistake, what else could it be?

"Just you wait, she's definitely not going to get away with this."

As Gu Yunjin spoke, a hint of ruthlessness crept into her voice.

Gu Jingchun, just you wait.

This spring hunt, I will make sure you never return.

Thinking of this, Gu Yunjin comforted Chu Qianlan a few more times before going to find the Third Prince.

After all, if she wants to deal with Gu Jingchun now, she will inevitably have to rely on the Third Prince's power.

She used to look down on the Third Prince, but now she realizes that power is the most useful thing in the world.

With the Third Prince by her side, she gained sufficient power.

That's how you can easily crush her.

Meanwhile, in the Empress Dowager's tent.

Gu Jingchun was kneeling on the ground.

Although she had been relaxed and casual on her way here, she couldn't hide her nervousness now.

The Empress Dowager was drinking tea, but her eyes kept falling on her.

She put down her teacup before speaking, "Mrs. Gu, there were some things I didn't tell you in detail when you came last time."

I have summoned you here today to clarify these matters.

Upon hearing this, Gu Jingchun immediately bowed and kowtowed, saying, "Your Majesty, I understand what you are trying to say."

"Please rest assured, Your Majesty, I am aware that I am a widow and now I am engaged in marriage. I am not worthy of His Highness the Crown Prince, who is virtuous, talented, wise and intelligent."

Gu Jingchun said, word by word, "This subject does not wish to become a stain on His Highness the Crown Prince, nor does she wish to become a wicked and chaotic woman, bearing the infamy for all eternity."

"Moreover, I believe that His Highness the Crown Prince's interest in me is only temporary and he will probably lose interest in me soon."

"To marry the young master of the Luo family peacefully and smoothly is my lifelong wish."

"Therefore, I have come here today to tell Your Majesty what I have to say, so that you may be at ease."

Furthermore, I implore Your Majesty the Empress Dowager to help me.

His Highness the Crown Prince is, after all, the emperor, and I have no choice but to obey his orders.

But I do not wish to go against my own conscience.

"I implore Your Majesty the Empress Dowager to restrain His Highness the Crown Prince so that he may spare my daughter."

The Empress Dowager frowned upon hearing this, remaining silent, her expression also somewhat displeased.

Even though she was prepared, she still felt somewhat dissatisfied upon hearing these words.

After all, according to Gu Jingchun, Shen Hechuan was the one who was harassing her.

How could the Empress Dowager allow Gu Jingchun to belittle the Crown Prince of the current dynasty like this?

Therefore, she kept a cold face and remained silent.