94 Improvement (Two Updates in One)
◎“…Lu Qian’an!!!” (Eight Thousand Nutrient Solution Extra)◎
That night, the door of Prince Zhao's bedroom was closed early.
After taking a bath, when Gu Ningxi was carried to the bed, she still had not realized what was waiting for her tonight.
The moonlight was hazy, the night wind blew away the clouds several times, and most of the candle had burned out.
Gu Ningxi's eyes were blurry and red at the corners. He lay on the man's chest, trying weakly to calm his breath.
She couldn't help but think, it's only been three days since we last met, how come it has come to this?
Her cheeks were still flushed, and Lu Jing gently stroked her back, thinking something in his mind.
There may not be opportunities for the rest of the night.
Which two should I choose first?
The hot palm slowly moved down, and Lu Jing held the slender waist of the person in his arms.
Gu Ningxi closed her eyes, thinking that he was going to carry her to take a bath and prepare for bed.
She was drowsy until the next moment someone grabbed her waist and lifted her up, and in a moment, pressed her back into his arms.
“Hmm—”
Gu Ningxi opened his eyes in disbelief, and the words that came out of his mouth were shattered.
Gu Ningxi couldn't get out of bed the next day.
After her day off, she felt even more tired than on duty.
Official business repeats itself over and over again, with little difference, but the variety of activities every night is new and fresh.
Gu Ningxi shrank to the side of the couch and was easily grabbed by the ankle.
"Tomorrow..." Her voice was filled with tears.
She had completely forgotten what she said when she was drunk, and when Lu Jing slowly brought it up, she insisted that he had made it up.
"I didn't say that!" she denied. "That's all your excuse."
"All right then."
Lu Jing could accept it, so he exerted force with his hands and dragged the person back into his arms.
Except for the three days when he had to report to the Ministry of Works, Gu Ningxi could only go to the Imperial Study in the afternoon on the rest of the days.
After waiting for a long time for a new round of rest, Gu Ningxi forced himself to wake up from the dragon bed at noon.
She rubbed her sore waist. Her sister asked someone to tell her that she would have a chat with her tomorrow afternoon.
Gu Ningxi did not inform Manager Sun, and even skipped lunch. He took a car and slipped back to the small courtyard in Xingningfang a day in advance.
Now, this courtyard is completely occupied by her people, so there is no need to worry about the Xuanping Marquis Mansion being able to find out any news.
Gu Ningxi had a good sleep and even had someone prepare some of her sister's favorite snacks.
At noon, Gu Ningwan arrived as expected. She used the excuse of going to the street to buy some jewelry, sent the driver away, and then came here.
"Sister, this way."
Gu Ningxi successfully received the person and brought his elder sister to his study. The doors and windows were tightly closed, and there were servants guarding the outer room.
"Sister, if you have anything to say, feel free to speak up."
In front of her sister, Gu Ningwan could speak frankly: "Someone in the Ningguo Mansion is plotting against me."
Gu Ningxi's expression became more serious after hearing this.
Gu Ningwan has sorted out her thoughts. The reason why she believed in the nightmare was not only because it happened three times, but also because the human calculations in the dream were too real and too human.
She ignored the dream and said, "As you know, the Ningguo Mansion has no intention of fulfilling the engagement. But I heard some news that they are reluctant to cancel the engagement and are planning to change the marriage partner." She raised her eyes and said, "Do you remember the sixth son of the Lin family who I asked you about earlier?"
Gu Ningxi's blood boiled in an instant. Whenever she thought of Lin Yang's attempt to marry her elder sister, she was so angry that she felt dizzy.
She took a few deep breaths and asked, "How did my sister know?"
Gu Ningwan had her own explanation: "The mansion sent a maid for trial marriage earlier, and she is mine."
Gu Ningxi had no doubts. Considering the busy and scheming nature of the Ningguo Mansion, they were indeed capable of doing such a shameless act.
He felt that his elder sister was not worthy of their beloved prince, but he was reluctant to give up his elder sister and the generous dowry from the Marquis Xuanping's mansion, so he wanted to marry her off in exchange.
What the hell is Lin Yang! Not to mention that he has no chance of becoming Duke of Ningguo, just based on his looks and character, who among the families of equal status would be willing to marry their daughter to him?
I've known for a long time that Lady Ningguo favors her youngest son, but I didn't expect that she would target her elder sister.
Gu Ningxi tried to calm down her anger: "What are they going to do?"
"They probably want to ruin my reputation and tie me to Lin Yang so that I can only marry him."
If the marriage exchange is proposed openly, the Xuanping Marquis's Mansion will definitely not agree, and the Ningguo Duke's Mansion will also be unable to stand its ground.
So we have to use some dirty tricks to force her to submit.
Gu Ningwan expressed her biggest concern: "But I have no evidence, it's just a guess."
This is why she didn't dare tell her family. There was no evidence to support her claim, and a mere dream alone couldn't hold water.
Gu Ningxi pondered, "My sister's marriage to the Prince of Ningguo has been delayed for a long time. If they want to exchange the bride, the other party must make arrangements as soon as possible. My sister rarely leaves the house, so they don't have a chance. Recently-"
The two sisters looked at each other, and Gu Ningwan said, "Double Ninth Festival."
On the Double Ninth Festival, many aristocratic families in Kyoto would ascend Tianning Mountain in central Beijing, seeking good luck and health, longevity, and protection from evil spirits. Young children from aristocratic families would also visit each other.
Now that we know the other party's intentions, we must be on guard.
As for how to prevent it, Gu Ningxi asked, "Sister, do you still want this marriage?"
Gu Ningwan shook her head firmly. She had been staying indoors for the past few days and had made up her mind.
The marriage had been delayed until today, and the Ningguo Mansion had humiliated her like this, how could she not be angry? Even if she had to give up the comfortable life in Kyoto and become a nun in a Taoist temple, she would not step into the dragon's den and tiger's cave again.
With her sister's words, Gu Ningxi had a clearer idea when thinking about countermeasures.
Looking at her sister who was only thinking about herself, Gu Ningwan said apologetically, "They may not necessarily want to harm me. Maybe I am just being too suspicious, and you will accompany me in vain."
"What are you talking about, sister? Even if they don't take action, we can still take the initiative and make this matter a reality, completely ending this marriage." Gu Ningxi said every word seriously, "I have a salary, I can start my own business, and I can support you."
She knew that if her sister didn't get married, the family might not be able to accommodate her in the future. She would never let her sister be looked down upon in the Marquis's mansion.
Gu Ningwan's eyes were tearful, and Gu Ningxi comforted her: "Besides, my sister is an excellent musician, chess, calligrapher, and painter. Even if she sells some of her calligraphy and paintings, she can support herself. Why should she look down on herself?"
I only regret that the world leaves so few options for women. After reaching the age of 15, there is no other choice but to get married. Even for an only daughter of a military family like the Luo family, it is difficult to resist this world.
Looking at her sister's determined eyes, Gu Ningwan's courage, which had originally been gathered in her heart, became even stronger.
This matter needs to be considered carefully and should not be treated lightly.
…
Not long after the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Ningguo Mansion sent someone to invite the eldest daughter of the Gu family to go to Tianning Mountain to enjoy the autumn on the Double Ninth Festival.
Mrs. Shen was very happy to see this happen. She even went to the silk shop to pick out two pieces of fashionable brocade and asked someone to make new clothes for her daughter.
She had always had a good relationship with the wife of Duke Ningguo, and it was because of this relationship that she was able to finally arrange the marriage of her two children.
The other side really likes Wan'er as a daughter-in-law, and this time they also intend to let the two children see each other more often and deepen their relationship.
Gu Ningwan accepted the invitation. Even if she avoided it this time, she didn't know what tricks the Duke's Mansion would use next time.
Instead of doing that, it is better to go with the flow.
In fact, there was a flaw in this outing from the very beginning. She was invited to the autumn outing, but no invitation was prepared, only a message was passed on. The servants couldn't tell who was passing the message. It was just her mother's wishful thinking, believing that Lady Ningguo was trying to match her with Lin Qi.
It's true that the Duke's wife is on good terms with my mother and that she likes her, but when it comes to her own interests, how could she possibly bypass her own son?
Gu Ningxi quickly received the news from Yuehua Court. The invitation was extended over half a month in advance. Was the Ningguo Mansion worried that her sister wouldn't be able to attend, ruining their plans?
On the Double Ninth Festival, she was going to accompany her sister to Tianning Mountain. Gu Ningxi did not hide this from Lu Jing and even asked him for some help.
"How did you arrange it?" In Ruihe Palace at night, Lu Jing was quite pleased with the trust his sweetheart had in him.
Yuan Le cares about his sister Gu Ningwan, so of course he loves her too.
After all, there was no evidence, so Gu Ningxi was not sure about the specific circumstances of that day and could not tell him too much.
She smiled and said, "It is not the proper place for the Emperor to interfere in the family affairs of his subjects. Besides, your Majesty does not need to intervene in this matter."
Yuan Le had his own plans, and Lu Jing didn't interfere for the time being. After all, they were in Kyoto, so no matter what went wrong, he could cover Yuan Le's back.
After chatting for a long time at the desk, the night was already getting late. Moonlight poured into the palace, accompanied by the sound of rain.
Both of them had already bathed, and it was about time to settle down.
Gu Ningxi looked at the person in front of her warily. When he carried her directly onto the table, she grabbed the belt of her pajamas.
"Go to the couch!" She refused to compromise.
The other day, he was pressed into the throne in the Ruihe Hall and made a lot of noise. When Gu Ningxi thought about it now, her legs felt weak.
"Okay."
Gu Ningxi was reluctantly satisfied and let someone pick her up.
The distance from the desk in the main room to the bed in the inner room is about a few dozen steps.
“…”
“…”
“…Lu Qian’an!!!”
Lu Jing took each step steadily, but Gu Ningxi's voice was shattered by the shaking.
The big hand held her firmly, but Gu Ningxi, in panic, kept squeezing her tighter.
By the time she was pushed onto the couch, she had lost all her strength and allowed him to do whatever he wanted.
The autumn rain is continuous, falling on the flowers and leaves, splashing crystal water droplets.
After a few autumn rains, the summer heat has dissipated and it is the season of clear and crisp autumn weather.
The Double Ninth Festival is approaching, and the chrysanthemums are in full bloom, elegant and noble.
Inside the Marquis of Wu'an's mansion, a servant came to report, "My Lord, a guest has come to visit."
Xie Qian took the visiting card from the concierge. After seeing the name on it, he was puzzled and asked the steward to welcome the person to the study.
"Yes, my lord."
Xie Qian stood up and opened the two remaining windows in the study.
"Brother Huaicheng." Not long after, Gu Ningxi came to visit. Xie Qian exchanged greetings with her and invited her to take a seat.
The maids made tea and Xie Qian ordered them to stand guard at the door, neither too close nor too far away.
He smiled and said, "Master Gu, what do you want from me?"
Gu Ningxi first handed over a brocade box and motioned him to open it and take a look.
Xie Qian did as he was told out of curiosity, and his eyes were immediately drawn to the exquisite crossbow chariot in the box.
He carefully held it out and examined it closely. This chariot was about half the size of his wooden chariot and was exquisitely crafted. It was equipped with a crossbow and a box containing twenty short arrows.
Place the arrow on the string, press the mechanism, and the arrow can be shot several feet away.
Xie Qian's eyes lit up again and again, and he couldn't let go of this new chariot.
Seeing that he liked it, Gu Ningxi openly stated her purpose: "To be honest, I have something I want to ask you for help on the Double Ninth Festival."
"Sure, sure."
There's no need for too many twists and turns between friends; both of them enjoy this kind of frank communication.
Gu Ningxi and her sister have discussed the matter repeatedly during this period. Their plan is thorough and will not give outsiders any opportunity to take advantage of it.
But since this matter concerned her sister's lifelong destiny, Gu Ningxi worried about unexpected changes. To be on the safe side, she wanted to ask a trusted third party to take charge. Marquis Wu'an was the perfect fit. Xie Qian wouldn't need to be present; he could simply be a witness.
She gave him some necessary information, and Xie Qian readily agreed: "Leave it to me, don't worry."
Gu Ningxi smiled and bowed to him, saying, "Thank you!"
…
The autumn sky is vast and the blue sky is clear.
Many magnificent carriages have been parked at the foot of Tianning Mountain. As it is a festive season, the weather is pleasant and it is a great day for an autumn outing.
Gu Ningwan helped the maid get off the carriage. Gu Ningxi came on horseback, which was rare today.
She ordered people to familiarize themselves with the terrain again and protect her sister from a distance.
There is a blue lake at the foot of Tianning Mountain, called "Tianjing".
The lake is not big, the water is crystal clear and reflects the white clouds in the sky.
Gu Ningwan stared at the calm lake water, the autumn wind blowing her green skirt, she seemed to know how icy cold the lake water was.
"Why are you standing by the lake?"
A new figure was reflected on the lake surface. Gu Ningwan turned her head to look at the person who walked towards her.
A curve appeared on her lips as she said politely, "Prince."
The two of them have already been engaged, so even if they get closer in public, they don't have to worry about any rumors.
Gu Ningwan looked at the person in front of her. In fact, if you think about it carefully, she and Lin Qi have known each other since childhood and are a good match.
Lin Qi is the eldest son of the Ningguo Mansion. He is both talented in civil and military affairs, and has a good appearance. He stands out among the children of aristocratic families.
She had once thought he would be a good husband, worthy of her. But the marriage was repeatedly delayed, and she felt that he was irresponsible and heartless. Now when she looked at him again, she felt that he was just "hypocritical."
She continued, "The lakeside is quiet and the scenery is beautiful."
Even if she didn't come here, I'm afraid the other party would find ways to invite her here.
She was willing to save him the trouble.
A few weeping willows blocked the view of the riverbank. Gu Ningxi heard a lively voice: "Master Gu is here today!"
Luo Yun wore an orange skirt embroidered with chrysanthemums and a light-colored cape, and her smile was bright and brilliant.
Gu Ningxi was unconsciously infected by her smile: "Yes, when did you return to Beijing?"
"I just arrived a few days ago. The weather is good today, so I came here to relax." Luo Yun had accompanied his mother back to visit his maternal grandparents a while ago, and was too lazy to pay attention to the relatives of the Luo family.
She felt in a very good mood when she saw Gu Ningxi. It turned out to be a good day to go out.
The autumn wind blows, and ripples appear on the surface of the lake.
An attendant from the Ningguo Mansion arrived at the lakeside and whispered a few words to the prince.
Gu Ningwan saw a gentle smile on Lin Qi's face, and he said the same words as in her dream: "I have something to take care of. I'll be leaving for a while."
He seemed to feel guilty: "Later... I have something to say to you."
Gu Ningwan nodded: "Prince, please do as you please."
Lin Qi left first, and his words and actions hinted that she was waiting for him here.
Gu Ningwan smiled and ignored it.
Under the willow tree, Xie Qian and Gu Ningxi stood one step apart.
Luo Yun had already gone far away to admire the flowers. Xie Qian lowered his voice and said, "You're right to worry. Someone is indeed secretly watching your elder sister. I'm afraid it's not a good thing."
He was used to the flashing of swords and the fighting on the battlefield, and such tricks could not be hidden from his eyes.
Xie Qian suggested, "Why not just arrest them all and interrogate them thoroughly?"
Gu Ningxi also thought so, she had enough people with her.
"There are at least three of them. I'll help you catch them."
He took the initiative to accept the task. After staying in Kyoto for a long time, it was rare for him to encounter something new and exciting.
Xie Qian was much better at this, so Gu Ningxi stopped trying to resist, gratitude in her eyes. She smiled and said, "Thank you for your help. It was truly foresight that I came to you today."
Xie Qian smiled and said confidently, "Just watch."
He personally took a few people with him, and Gu Ningxi freed up his hands and feet, so he stayed where he was.
Ever since the Prince of Ningguo left, Lin Yang has been wandering around, as if waiting for an opportunity.
Gu Ningxi frowned and ordered the guards to keep a close eye on him and not miss any movement.
The autumn sun shines warmly, and the white clouds are leisurely.
The quiet and beautiful scenery was suddenly broken by a panicked cry.
"My daughter fell into the water, someone come quickly, someone come quickly!"
Gu Ningxi's face changed immediately when he heard the voice belong to Qingwu from Yuehua Courtyard.
They were clearly on guard, so how could my sister fall into the lake?
She immediately ran to the shore in two steps, and at the same time ordered the secret guards to keep a close eye on Lin Yang who was ready to make a move.
"Sister!"
Gu Ningxi is good at swimming, and the lake water near the shore is not deep.
She was about to jump into the water to save someone when she was suddenly pulled back by someone.
"Master Gu, why are you joining in the fun with your body?"
As he spoke, Luo Yun had already undressed his cloak neatly: "You stay on the shore!"
She jumped into the water, splashing everywhere.
Gu Ningxi only had time to catch the goose yellow cloak she threw at him.
She watched the movements in the water nervously. Luo Yun was familiar with the water and soon swam to Gu Ningwan's side.
She had a methodical way of rescuing people. She approached from behind, put her arms around Gu Ningwan's chest, and carried her to the shore.
The maids gathered on the shore immediately stepped forward and wrapped the two girls tightly in cloaks.
Such a big commotion by the lake has attracted many people, and Gu Ningxi saw that many of them were familiar faces.
Thanks to the timely rescue, Gu Ningwan was unharmed, aside from choking on a few mouthfuls of water. She and Luo Yun then went to the carriage to change out of their wet clothes. The Nan'an Marquis's carriage was parked further away, and Gu Ningxi gently asked Luo Yun to change his own clothes first.
Gu Ningxi breathed a sigh of relief. As a woman, she didn't have to worry about her sister's reputation being damaged.
Many noble families were traveling at the foot of Tianning Mountain, and there were many people and a lot of talk, which was why the guards did not dare to rescue them immediately.
When Lin Qi waited for the right time to rush back, he found his brother standing there dry and dry, and it was not him who saved the man!
"What's going on?" he growled.
The family prepared for this matter for a long time before finding such a good opportunity.
Lin Yang had a hard time expressing his feelings. It wasn't that he was hesitant, but that someone was always watching him and he couldn't find any opportunity at all!
Lin Qi was so disappointed that he had to make other plans.
Just as he was about to go and check on Gu Ningwan, three people were brought in.
Lin Qi's eyebrows jumped when he met the eyes of one of them.
The stewards of the Ningguo Mansion looked pale. The lady asked them to cooperate with the second young master and find an opportunity to push the eldest daughter of the Gu family into the water.
Naturally, he couldn't let anyone from the mansion do this. He had already found someone to do it and had been watching from the dark. He didn't expect the guards of the Xuanping Marquis's mansion to be so sharp that even he was caught.
He lowered his head and dared not say a word, but the two people behind him were puzzled.
They clearly haven't found an opportunity yet, so how did the eldest daughter of the Gu family fall into the water?
Lin Qi clenched his hands tightly and thought about how to solve the problem.
Without giving him more time, the guards headed by the Xuanping Marquis's mansion loudly addressed Gu Ningxi, "Second Young Master, these three men are acting suspiciously. They are the ones who murdered the young lady! We failed to provide adequate protection. Please forgive us, Second Young Master."
Gu Ningxi said coldly: "Take everyone away."
The guards stepped forward to take the man away, and Lin Yang looked at his brother anxiously.
"Yuan Le," Lin Qi advised, "without any evidence, isn't it inappropriate to resort to lynching?"
Gu Ningxi nodded: "I know. I will take them to the Dali Temple and seek justice for my elder sister."
When he heard that he was going to be imprisoned, the steward turned pale with fright and without caring about anything else, he quickly glanced at the prince for help.
Lin Qi didn't look at him, but met Gu Ningxi's meaningful eyes.
She said, "The prince seems to know these three people. Could they be from your family?"
Every word was clear and heard by everyone present.
Lin Qi gritted his teeth secretly. The other two were fine, as they weren't servants of his Ningguo Mansion. But He Cheng was the manor's steward, and if they investigated further, there would be no way to conceal it.
Everyone warned He Cheng again and again that he didn't need to show up directly. How could he be so careless and let someone catch him with such a big handle!
But now was not the time to pursue the matter. Rather than being put in a passive position later, Lin Qi could only admit it first: "Manager He is indeed from the Duke's Mansion. But he absolutely has no reason to murder Miss Gu. Yuan Le, I'm wondering if there is some misunderstanding."
Gu Ningxi nodded. "I'm also afraid that someone is causing trouble and affecting the friendship between our two families. It's a good opportunity to hand it over to the authorities to get to the bottom of it and give justice to our two families."
She clearly wanted to bring him to justice, refusing to let it go. Lin Qi's eyes grew colder, and he had to speak more forcefully, "If you want to take Manager He away, Yuan Le will have to produce more concrete evidence. If we rely solely on the one-sided account of your guards, I'm afraid it won't be enough to convince them, right?"
The atmosphere in the arena cooled, and more and more people gathered to watch. Miss Gu fell into the water, and the Xuanping Marquis's Mansion captured the thief, and it seemed that the Ningguo Mansion was also implicated. The confrontation between these two mansions was far more exciting than the autumn scenery.
Gu Ningxi scrutinized Lin Qi, not backing down. The Ningguo Mansion's intentions were truly sinister. If Lin Yang truly had saved her sister in public, word would spread like wildfire, forcing her sister to marry. She could imagine the Ningguo Mansion's demeanor, taking advantage and fabricating a story of a hero saving a beautiful woman and a happy marriage.
Amidst the tense situation, Gu Ningxi suddenly smiled.
"How can Master Lin be so sure that the one who captured the thief is from my family?"
Soon after she finished speaking, two people came forward and saluted. Hanging around their waists were the tokens of the Jinwu Guards.
"The Jinwu Guards are in charge of the imperial guards. Today, the area below Tianning Mountain is bustling with activity, so the Jinwu Guards have stepped up their patrols. Unexpectedly, they've captured a thief with ulterior motives. Otherwise, my sister would have nowhere to appeal for her grievances."
Gu Ningxi refused to give in. "With witnesses and the suspect already handed over to the authorities, what else is there to worry about, Master Lin?"
The Jinwu Guard's waist badge gleamed brightly under the clear sky. Gu Ningxi ordered the guards at the mansion, "Take the man away."
"Wait a minute!"
In such occasions, Lin Yang tactfully spoke less, fearing that it would become his own fault.
Lin Qi softened his tone, "Yuan Le, you don't know this. Manager He is a loyal and honest man who has always abided by the law. I was worried that he might have been framed, and he was so frightened upon entering the government office that he confessed to crimes he shouldn't have."
"Prince Lin is saying that he feels the administration of this dynasty is corrupt and that the Dali Temple is wrongly accusing innocent people?"
"That's absolutely not what I meant!" Lin Qi's face turned red with anger. "Your Majesty ascended the throne and reorganized the government, bringing a new atmosphere to the court. Lord Gu, why are you misinterpreting my meaning? Don't you think your words just now show contempt for the emperor's authority?"
"Prince Lin, just rest assured about the interrogation at the Dali Temple. Let's go!"
Butler He refused to be dragged down and continued to struggle.
Lin Qi stepped forward to block Gu Ningxi's path. Gu Ningxi spoke loudly, "Prince Lin, you're so caring even for your servants, but my sister is your wife-to-be. She's been in the water, and you haven't said a single word of concern to her since she fell into the water. Are you standing here blindly protecting the suspect who hurt my sister? Or are you the mastermind behind this whole thing?"
She mercilessly tore off the fig leaf of the Ningguo Mansion, and many of the onlookers from the noble families started talking about it.
Gu Ningxi's eyes were filled with sarcasm. In order to solidify the reputation of her elder sister and Lin Yang, the Ningguo Mansion had taken the trouble to choose such a noisy time, but who knew that it would not end up shooting itself in the foot.
Lin Qi's face paled and blue, but Gu Ningxi didn't bother to pay attention to him. She had enough people at her disposal, and she wouldn't let these three go no matter what.
Ignoring Lin Qi's obstruction, Gu Ningxi ordered his men to take the suspect to the Dali Temple.
Gu Ningxi didn't care that the Ningguo Mansion was outnumbered. If Lin Qi insisted on breaking up first, what was she afraid of?
In the carriage, Luo Yun, who had changed into dry clothes, patted Gu Ningwan's hand gently, not knowing how to comfort her.
Such an indifferent attitude of my fiancé is really disheartening.
Gu Ningwan smiled back at her, indicating that she was fine.
The situation on the field was clear, and Xie Qian stepped forward.
Lord Gu warned him not to speak, lest he become embroiled in a dispute between the two mansions and bring guilt upon the Ningguo Mansion. But Xie Qian didn't care. Even an outsider like him couldn't stand the Ningguo Mansion's shameless behavior.
When things are not right, they will complain. A voice echoed throughout the scene: "These three people are plotting something illegal. I witnessed it with my own eyes. They should be handed over to the authorities for severe punishment."
After these words were spoken, the already chaotic lakeside became even more tense.
Everyone looked at the person who stepped out with their eyes on his nose and their nose on their heart.
Duke of Qi!? Why was he even joining in on the fun, and clearly favoring the Xuanping Marquisate?
The words that were about to come out of Xie Qian's mouth were interrupted by his friend. He looked at Qin Yu who suddenly appeared, full of confusion.
Gu Ningxi was equally confused. He and Xie Qian exchanged a glance, both thinking that the other had invited someone.
Qin Yu stood directly in front of Lin Qi. Although they were of the same generation, Lin Qi was merely the heir apparent of the Ningguo Duke, enjoying the protection of his family. Qin Yu, on the other hand, was a first-rank Duke of Qi in the Jin Dynasty, renowned for his military exploits in pacifying Hebei.
The difference between them cannot be clearly outlined by a first-class title.
Lin Qi immediately bowed and said, "Duke Qi."
Qin Yu said bluntly, "Today's events are truly bizarre. What Lord Gu said about transferring the case to the authorities is reasonable both publicly and privately. Why would Prince Lin insist on stopping it?"
Every word he spoke was powerful. In the carriage of Marquis Xuanping's mansion, Gu Ningwan withdrew her gaze, as if thinking about something.
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