Not long after, Fuyu hurriedly returned to the Duan Prince's residence. Although her steps were quick, she still kept them light so as not to disturb the peace of the residence.
She was carrying a large bucket, the contents of which were obscured by a thick cloth.
Fuyu tiptoed into Gu Qinlan's study, where she saw Princess Duan sitting at her desk, holding a book in her hand, her gaze frequently drifting towards the door.
"You're back, Fuyu." Gu Qinlan put down her book, smiled slightly, and a hint of anticipation flashed across her face.
"Yes, Your Highness." Fuyu gently placed the large bucket on the ground, unwrapped the cloth, revealing an exquisite wooden bucket. The contents of the bucket were vaguely visible, yet remained mysterious and unpredictable.
Gu Qinlan got up, walked to the bucket, and gently lifted the lid. A faint fragrance wafted out. She carefully examined the gifts in the bucket, a hint of satisfaction flashing in her eyes.
“This gift is indeed very nice,” Gu Qinlan said softly. “Let’s proceed according to plan.”
Fuyu was slightly taken aback and asked curiously, "Your Highness, what kind of gift is this? Why would it frighten the Second Young Master?"
Gu Qinlan smiled, a complex emotion flickering in her eyes: "Do you remember what happened that night? Zheng Fenghui, he..."
“This servant remembers that he was disrespectful to the Princess that night,” Fuyu recalled, her tone tinged with displeasure.
“That’s right.” Gu Qinlan nodded. “This gift is to make him understand that the rules of the manor must not be broken.”
The Prince Duan's mansion was brightly lit, but Zheng Fenghui's room was pitch black.
As planned, Gu Qinlan and Fuyu quietly arrived at Zheng Fenghui's door. The two looked at each other, and Fuyu nodded slightly, indicating that they were ready.
Gu Qinlan took a deep breath and pushed open the door.
The room was quiet; Zheng Fenghui seemed to be fast asleep. She carefully walked to the bedside, gently placed the bucket on the ground, and then slowly lifted the lid.
"Your Highness, what should we do?" Fuyu asked in a low voice, a hint of nervousness flashing in her eyes.
"He'll know the consequences when he wakes up," Gu Qinlan said calmly, turning to leave.
Just then, Zheng Fenghui suddenly turned over, as if he had been woken up. He groggily opened his eyes, saw what was in the bucket, and immediately sat up in shock.
"Ah! What is this!" Zheng Fenghui cried out in terror, his voice filled with fear.
Gu Qinlan and Fuyu exchanged a glance, then turned and left, leaving Zheng Fenghui alone in the room.
Zheng Fenghui looked at the thing in the bucket. It was a lifelike venomous snake, its tongue flicking as it slowly approached him.
"No! Don't come any closer!" Zheng Fenghui cried out in terror. He tried to back away, but the space beside the bed was limited, and he had nowhere to escape.
Just then, Gu Qinlan returned. She looked coldly at Zheng Fenghui and said calmly, "Do you know that the rules of the manor cannot be broken?"
A flicker of fear crossed Zheng Fenghui's eyes. He realized that this gift was Gu Qinlan's warning to him.
"I...I understand, I'll never dare to do it again!" Zheng Fenghui said in a trembling voice, his eyes filled with awe.
Gu Qinlan nodded slightly, turned and left, leaving Zheng Fenghui alone in the room.
She walked out of the room, glanced back at Fuyu, and a hint of satisfaction flashed in her eyes.
"Your Highness, will he retaliate?" Fuyu asked worriedly.
Gu Qinlan smiled gently: "Don't worry, he wouldn't dare. He knows that in this Prince Duan's mansion, I am the mother and he is the son."
Fu Yu smiled slightly, her admiration for Gu Qinlan's wisdom and courage growing even stronger.
Gu Qinlan slowly walked back to her courtyard, with Fuyu following closely behind. The night was deep, and the Prince Duan's mansion was quiet and still, with only the occasional sound of the wind and the rustling of falling leaves.
As the two entered the house and sat down, Gu Qinlan's expression softened considerably.
"Fuyu, do you think my behavior today was a bit too much?" Gu Qinlan asked softly, her gaze deep and powerful in the darkness.
Fuyu pondered for a moment, then slowly spoke: "Your Highness, you did this for the peace of the household. But... Zheng Fenghui, he..."
“He knows his limits.” Gu Qinlan interrupted her, smiling slightly. “I understand. He’s a smart man and won’t take risks easily.”
"...Your Highness, are you really planning to change yourself like this?" Fuyu asked with some worry, her eyes filled with a hint of confusion.
Gu Qinlan was silent for a while, then slowly said, "In the past, I always endured and always thought about the big picture. But now, I've realized that some things can't be resolved without stepping forward personally."
As Fuyu listened, a hint of understanding flashed in her eyes, and she said softly, "Your Highness, you have become stronger, but that doesn't mean you don't need us."
Gu Qinlan smiled slightly, her eyes filled with warmth: "I know, Fuyu, you are the closest person to me, and I will never forget that."
After a moment of silence, Fuyu suddenly said, "Your Highness, won't your ruthless actions tonight worry the Prince Duan's heir?"
A complex look flashed in Gu Qinlan's eyes. She sighed softly, "He is my husband, so of course I won't let him worry. However, there are some things I have to face myself."
Fuyu nodded silently, her admiration for Gu Qinlan growing even stronger.
As night deepened, Gu Qinlan returned to her bedroom, lay on the bed, and was lost in thought.
She thought about her years of forbearance, Zheng Fenghui's threats, and her worries about the future.
But she also knew that she had to be strong because she was the Crown Princess of Duan, and she had a responsibility to protect herself and improve her family.
...
The next morning, everyone in the Prince Duan's mansion was busy.
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