Ru Shuang was startled and instantly understood the meaning behind Zhang's words.
"Does the First Madam really intend to do this? This servant thinks the Second Young Master is quite fond of her; what if it gets found out..."
Before Ru Shuang could finish speaking, Zhang interrupted sharply, "Then don't leave any traces. You know the consequences if you don't do it cleanly."
Upon hearing this, Ru Shuang suddenly looked up and met Zhang's cold gaze, her hands involuntarily breaking out in a cold sweat.
Several years ago, Madam Zhang discovered that one of the maids in the mansion had feelings for the eldest son. Under the cover of darkness, she drowned the maid. Madam Zhang then paid the maid off with money.
Ru Shuang's eyes narrowed slightly, and this old memory flashed through her mind. Her heart pounded like a drum, and she stammered in response.
"Don't worry, Madam, I will definitely instruct my henchmen to clean it up."
Upon hearing this, Zhang revealed a smug expression, a wicked smile spreading across her lips.
"Gu Qianluo, you think you can fight me? Hahaha! Keep dreaming!"
Gu Qianluo and Zhu Ying rode in a carriage hired from outside the manor, traveling non-stop to Chaolu Manor.
According to Zhu Ying, this path was frequented by several groups of bandits, but today it was unusually quiet.
Zhu Ying was appointed by Chen Jinheng as Gu Qianluo's personal bodyguard, and an elite team was prepared to protect Gu Qianluo's safety.
Although Gu Qianluo said that she didn't need to bring anyone else, Zhu Ying had already set up an ambush by the roadside. Once any abnormality was detected, her men would send her a signal.
Strangely, they had passed through several villages without seeing a single fly on the road.
Zhu Ying drove the car, muttering to herself, "This is so strange! It's really so strange!"
Gu Qianluo narrowed her eyes slightly, gently lifted the carriage curtain, and asked in surprise,
"Bamboo Shadow, have you discovered something?"
"Second Madam, I have noticed that this road is unusually quiet today, quite different from its usual state."
"Oh? Besides this road, are there any other roads leading to Chaolu Manor?"
Zhu Ying frowned and looked towards the distant mountains.
"Yes, it is. It's located on the opposite mountain, but you have to take a long detour to get there."
The road over there is difficult to travel, and I'm worried that the Second Madam's health might not be up to the task.
Upon hearing this, Gu Qianlu raised an eyebrow, pondered for a moment, and then said,
Before entering the Marquis's mansion, I often went out with my father to manage the Gu family business, and I've been through all sorts of rough roads.
"Better safe than sorry, let's try another route."
"Your subordinate obeys!" After saying this, the bamboo shadow headed towards the mountain not far away.
As the carriage reached the mountainside, the two looked down from the mountain and discovered that a group of bandits were disguised and lying in ambush on both sides of the path they were about to take.
"Luckily we didn't take the same route, otherwise we would be in serious trouble now!"
"The Second Madam is wise and resourceful; I admire her."
"I've encountered many bandits in my daily life, so I have some experience."
"There's an inn ahead. Would you like to get off and rest, Madam?"
Gu Qianluo wanted to say no, but her stomach started rumbling, so she had no choice but to agree.
"You've been driving for so long, you should take a break."
"Yes! I understand."
Rarely seeing merchants passing by, the innkeeper ran over from afar to greet them and enthusiastically introduced the place.
"Gentlemen, our inn offers wine and meat, and we also have rooms available. Please follow me."
Gu Qianlu originally planned to rest for only two hours before continuing her journey.
However, the weather turned against them, and a sudden downpour trapped them in the inn.
"Zhuying, go and make the arrangements. We'll set off again tomorrow."
"Yes, madam! Please wait a moment while I go and arrange the carriage frame."
Gu Qianlu frowned, glanced down at her men's attire, and leaned closer to Zhu Ying to remind her,
"Bamboo Shadow, I'm going out in men's clothing this time. From today onwards, you can call me Young Master Luo."
"Yes, sir! I'll take care of it right away!"
"Boss, we'd like two single rooms. We'll stay here for the night. Our young master's horse is quite valuable, so please keep an eye on it for us."
The innkeeper frowned, glanced around at the seated guests, and said embarrassedly.
"Sir, I'm so sorry, we only have one single room left. We also have a private room, but the price is higher."
"How about you and your son squeeze in together?"
Zhu Ying raised an eyebrow and deftly took out a bag of silver from her body. "Boss, our young master doesn't like to share a room with others. How about you give us that private room?"
Upon hearing this, Gu Qianluo quickly stepped forward, took back the silver from Zhu Ying, and reprimanded her.
"Zhuying, we're both men, so let's not waste money like this."
"Since my young master is willing to stay in a single room, please have someone clean the room quickly!"
Seeing this, the innkeeper's smile, which had just lit up, suddenly dimmed, and he replied perfunctorily,
"Alright! Please enjoy your meal, gentlemen. I will let you know when everything is ready."
After saying this, the innkeeper weighed the silver in his hand, lowered his head, and walked towards the second-floor room.
Just as the innkeeper reached the top of the stairs, a dark figure flashed past him from behind.
Suddenly, a cold dagger was pressed against my neck.
The innkeeper's eyes turned cold, his heart pounded, and he turned to the man in black behind him, pleading for mercy.
"Great hero, spare my life! I'm just a thief seeking wealth. I don't know where I've offended you. I beg you to enlighten me."
The man in black had a deep look in his eyes and snorted coldly, "Go, exchange our single rooms with those two young masters from before!"
The shopkeeper was startled, as if he understood something, and said,
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