No matter what, we have to find a way to escape this calamity.

The story of Li Han's wife pleading with the Su family and ultimately being exonerated gave them hope.

Not only was he exonerated, but he was also entrusted with important responsibilities, serving as the governor of the Grand Canal, and his favor remained undiminished.

They were too ashamed to have gone through this ordeal.

However, as more and more people went to the Su family, they were all told to go to Liu Jin in the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs. The vast majority of people who took this route were exonerated.

This incident boosted their morale, so they went directly to Liu Jin, only to be turned away.

Liu Jin refused even the bribes offered to him.

How could Cai Zhen not understand anything?

This is clearly the emperor insisting on giving the Su family a special treatment.

Princess Chun'an made things difficult for Su Wanwan twice. If Su Wanwan is not allowed to get revenge, the emperor may really turn against his own family.

They never expected this woman to be so outrageous, refusing to even let them in the door!

Suppressing her anger, the Grand Princess of Chun'an said to Gu Ziyu, "Go knock on the door and ask. In return for this favor, I will surely reward you handsomely in the future."

Cai Chun was their late-life son, born when the Grand Princess of Chun'an was around forty years old. He was spoiled from a young age and dared to have relations with anyone.

Now, this has finally brought about a major disaster.

But she was expected to bow down to Su Wanwan.

She couldn't swallow this insult.

I never expected Su Wanwan to have the audacity to refuse me entry!

Gu Ziyu remained unmoved, crossed his arms, raised an eyebrow, and said, "Your Highness, you may not know this, but I cannot open this door."

He pointed to the guards standing watch nearby, "These people don't give face to anyone."

Recently, he tried to see Su Wanwan, but was stopped by the guards.

It's obvious at a glance that it was an order from the emperor.

If the guards hadn't dared not offend the Grand Princess of Chun'an, they wouldn't have allowed him to get close to the Su family.

"How will you know if you don't try?" The Grand Princess of Chun'an was practically cursing.

Cai Zhen quickly comforted the Grand Princess Chun'an, then looked at Gu Ziyu with a kind expression:

“Cheng’an, you’ve always been a good kid, sensible and capable. Help me with this favor.”

"We came here sincerely to visit Miss Wanwan."

"She's a junior, and she's suffered a lot in the capital these days."

"From now on, my husband and I will treat her like one of our own, so that she will never be bullied by others again."

Seeing that he had finally gotten to the point, Gu Ziyu dropped her nonchalant attitude:

"Your Highness, a gentleman's word is as good as his bond. Don't forget what you said today."

After saying that, he went to knock on the door.

Just as his hand was about to touch the door knocker, he noticed that the Su family's door was ajar.

From his perspective, he could see Su Wanwan standing not far away, smiling at him.

Like a lotus washed clean by water, it stands out naturally, pure and noble, and uniquely independent.

Gu Ziyu's heart seemed to skip a beat.

"Come in."

Su Wanwan's pink lips were fresh and moist, and her voice was gentle and soft.

The Grand Princess of Chun'an was so angry that her face twisted in rage.

What a huge ego!

This princess is already at your doorstep, aren't you going to open the door to welcome me?!

Cai Zhen, on the other hand, was much calmer. He squinted as he watched Gu Ziyu enter, a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes.

In the entire capital, the only family daring to compete with the emperor for a woman is probably the Duke of Anguo's mansion.

interesting.

The emperor's power is growing stronger and stronger, and sooner or later he will strip the Anguo Duke's mansion of its military power.

Gu Ziyu is really stubborn.

Gu Ziyu entered the room somewhat dazed, her movements a little awkward.

"Sister Wanwan, can you walk again now?"

"Yes, but you can't stand for too long yet."

Looking at his handsome features, Su Wanwan invited him, "Since you're here, why don't you have a cup of tea before you leave?"

Gu Ziyu readily agreed, but her gaze drifted toward the doorway of the back room.

Xiao Bin came out wearing an overcoat and stood at the door watching them.

Su Wanwan turned to the side and saw Xiao Bin, then walked over and said:

"Lord Xiao should rest in bed more."

She paused for a moment, then introduced, "This is the second young master of the Duke of Anguo's mansion."

"This is Xiao Bin, the guard who asked you for help before. He is now a centurion in Weizhou Guard."

Gu Ziyu raised an eyebrow, his eyes filled with admiration: "Is this the Xiao Bin who single-handedly stormed through hundreds of people and destroyed the Hongyi Cannon?!"

Su Wanwan's face paled slightly, and she looked at Xiao Bin with shock, mixed with a touch of bitterness and heartache.

I can't imagine what a life-or-death situation that must have been like.

Gu Ziyu felt a deep sense of regret for not having met him sooner, and bowed with clasped hands in greeting:

"My name is Gu Ziyu, and I truly admire Brother Xiao's courage and wisdom."

Xiao Bin simply clasped his hands in a fist salute, his pale face remaining calm. "I will not disturb you two."

Su Wanwan didn't speak, and walked towards the hall with Gu Ziyu somewhat absentmindedly.

Xiao Bin stood under the ginkgo tree, silently watching them leave together.

In early October, the ginkgo leaves had only turned slightly yellow with golden edges, and a gentle breeze was blowing.

The countless ginkgo leaves, like a myriad of golden butterflies, danced gracefully, adding a touch of vibrant color to the chilly and desolate autumn.

Su Wanwan did not turn around, nor did she see this shocking scene.

Gu Ziyu explained the Grand Princess Chun'an's intentions.

"You make the decision yourself. I'm not here to speak on their behalf. I'm just worried that they might bully you."

Su Wanwan had absolutely no interest in dealing with the Grand Princess of Chun'an.

"This has nothing to do with me. Please tell them to go find the person in charge when you leave."

Gu Ziyu paused, then glanced at her shyly, remaining silent for a while before speaking:

“I have absolutely no relation to the fourth young lady of the Gu Yuan Marquis’s mansion. Don’t believe the rumors spread by others.”

Su Wanwan's breath hitched slightly, and she lowered her eyes, saying:

"You're not getting any younger, it's time to listen to your family's arrangements and settle down."

Gu Ziyu's eyelashes trembled slightly, but in the end, she simply took a sip of tea with a natural expression.

"Wanwan isn't married yet, why should I, a grown man, be in such a hurry?"

He really wanted to say that the Empress was pregnant, and as long as she gave birth to a prince, her position as Empress would be secure.

If the emperor truly loved her, he wouldn't have knowingly married her and established an empress and two concubines despite knowing she was a widow.

A womanizer who falls in love with every woman he meets is not a good match.

But he really didn't want to stab her in the heart.

The emperor simply refused to let go; what choice did she have?

...

Lu Xingjian rubbed his tired temples, having just finished reviewing the last memorial, and asked:

"How are things going with the Su family?"

Manager Li paused, feeling his mouth getting a little dry:

"Gu Er went to the Su family again today, but he only had a cup of tea and persuaded the Grand Princess Chun'an and her husband to leave."

Even the most virtuous woman can be swayed by a persistent suitor.

Miss Su once planned to marry Gu Ziyu.

If they continue their interactions like this, Gu Ziyu might actually succeed in poaching someone from his team.

To be fair, in terms of just getting along, Steward Li felt that Gu Ziyu was a very good husband candidate, much better than his own master.

Lu Xingjian's hand paused.

A cold, sharp gaze swept over, as if an invisible pressure was pressing down on them.

Steward Li shuddered and tentatively asked, "Should we assign Gu Er to an official position in another region?"