The Rui’an King took over the case file, and after getting a detailed understanding of the case, the carriage arrived at the Duke Residence.
As Zhou Gu wanted to get off the carriage, the Rui’an King said, "Now that we’re at the Duke Residence, let me meet with the old Duke and have a few words."
Zhou Gu knew that he wanted to ask about Su Rong and Princess Zhenmin, he did not stop him. He nodded and followed him out of the carriage and into the Duke Residence.
The Duke Residence had already received news of Zhou Gu’s severe injury from an assassination attempt outside the capital. While the old Duke was able to remain calm, the eldest Princess Sheng An, the Duke’s wife, and the ladies of the residence were all agitated. They gathered in Princess Sheng An’s room. When Princess Sheng An heard that Zhou Gu had entered the palace with his injuries, she was preparing to storm the palace when she heard that Zhou Gu had returned to the residence. She and her people hurriedly left the room and went outside.
The Rui’an King followed Zhou Gu into the residence. As soon as they stepped over the threshold, he saw a large group of people rushing out of the Duke Residence. He thought to himself that everyone says Zhou Gu is treasured by all in the Duke Residence, and indeed it seems to be true without a doubt.
When the old Duke saw the Rui’an King, he was surprised, "Why has the King come to visit?"
"I am escorting Zhou Gu home, and I’d like to have a few words with you, Old Duke," said the Rui’an King.
The old Duke nodded and asked Zhou Gu. "Are your injuries severe?"
"Not bad, not severe." Zhou Gu shook his head.
Seeing that Zhou Gu could walk on his own without needing help, and his face was just pale, the old Duke was somewhat relieved, "Go rest."
Zhou Gu nodded.
The Princess Sheng An was not as calm as the old Duke. She disregarded talking to the Rui’an King and immediately grabbed Zhou Gu’s hand, "Are you sure it’s not severe? Don’t deceive your grandmother. Your face is pale, clearly from blood loss. Why are you still walking? You should be carried in a litter."
After saying that, she ordered loudly, "Quick, someone bring the litter."
Zhou Gu was helpless, "Grandmother, my arm and back are injured. It does not affect my walking. I don’t need the litter."
"Then don’t use the litter, just walk slowly." Princess Sheng An held his hand, and asked while walking, "Your wound, was it bandaged by the Imperial Doctor from the Imperial Medical Bureau?"
"Yes, His Majesty summoned the Imperial Doctor. It was Doctor Xu from the Imperial Medical Bureau who bandaged it."
Princess Sheng An nodded, "Doctor Xu is skilled. Did he prescribe medicine?"
"Yes, he did. I brought it back with me." Zhou Gu handed over the prescription to Princess Sheng An.
Princess Sheng An glanced at it and passed it to the Duke’s wife, "Hurry and get someone to prepare the medicine."
The Duke’s wife quickly arranged the task.
A group of people surrounded Zhou Gu as they escorted him back to his private chamber, Frost Forest Courtyard.
As soon as they entered the room, Princess Sheng An instructed Zhou Gu to lie down on the bed right away. Zhou Gu was indeed feeling weak due to blood loss, combined with the lack of proper rest in these few days and not having slept for two or three days, his head was spinning. Hence, he obediently lay down on the bed.
Sitting at the head of the bed, Princess Sheng An asked him, "How did you get injured? After Ziye returned to the residence, people were put on watch for those two monks. After the doctor bandaged you, he fainted. The other guards were also severely injured. We even lost five men."
Zhou Gu briefly explained the situation to Princess Sheng An.
Upon hearing, Princess Sheng An was instantly enraged, "Where did those hundreds of assassins come from? You tossed out those two monks, yet they didn’t kill them but encircled and attacked you?"
The Duke’s wife was also extremely angry, "They even obstructed the people sent by the Crown Prince to assist you in advance?"
"Was it the Crown Prince or the second Prince?" the third lady couldn’t help but ask, thinking it was really too dangerous.
"The identity of the mastermind behind the scenes is still unknown. The peach blossom comb found on the assassins was an item lost by Lipin four and a half years ago, and it had been recorded in the palace. His Majesty has handed this case over to Rui’an King for further investigation," Zhou Gu briefly explained.
Hearing the mention of Lipin, everyone was surprised. No one had expected her to be involved. The fourth prince was now fifteen, and by that age, the three elder brothers, all adults, would have consumed him if he and Lipin had made any moves at a time when he was neither too young nor too old. Even though he was not overlooked, it was not an appropriate time for him to stand out and take action against his elder brothers unless he was a fool.
Since Lipin was involved, the case became complicated. It was reasonable for His Majesty to hand it to Rui’an King and not let Zhou Gu interfere anymore.
Princess Sheng An said, "All thanks to Su Rong."
If it were not for Su Rong feeling uneasy and sending Fen Ling with people to rescue Zhou Gu, she dreaded she would have been mourning over the black-haired lad sent off by the white-haired elder that day. She loves her youngest grandson the most, and he would have lost his life 50 miles outside the city. If that had happened, she would have been ready to die.
The Duke’s wife was also left in extreme fear. Having only two sons, her fondness naturally went to her younger son. Unlike the eldest son, who was taught to be steady due to his designation as the heir from birth, the younger son was brought up differently and was more endearing. Their younger son’s persona was her life.
Every lady in the room also liked and cared for Zhou Gu and all thought it had been a close shave. They were all grateful to Su Rong. To their surprise, even after she had called off the marriage with Zhou Gu, she still helped him in such a big way.
Zhou Gu tightened his lips but made no sound.
Princess Sheng An only said this much, patted Zhou Gu’s hand to signal him to stop talking, "You must have been tired too. Rest now. I’ll call you when the medicine is ready. For now, just focus on your recovery and let your grandfather bear any issues."
Upon finishing, she added angrily, "Daring to dispatch assassins to kill you, even if His Majesty asked Rui’an King to handle the case, we from the Duke Residence can’t just sit and wait around. We’ll aid Rui’an King in investigating the case."
Zhou Gu nodded, closed his eyes, and fell asleep almost instantly.
Seeing Zhou Gu’s condition, Princess Sheng An was positively heartbroken. She rose to her feet, waved at everyone, signaling them to leave the room and not disturb Zhou Gu’s rest anymore.
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