The death of Chief Secretary Ling was a thorn in Gu Yufan's side, and because of this thorn, Gu Yufan was naturally suspicious of Ling Jinhua's enthusiasm.
But later, after learning that the Ling family was wholeheartedly targeting Qi Chengjun, and that the servants monitoring Ling Jinhua said that Ling Jinhua cursed Qi Chengjun every day, Gu Yufan finally lowered his guard.
So when Ling Jinhua said those words, Gu Yufan had no doubts whatsoever, and even thought that Ling Jinhua had some backbone.
He chuckled and patted Ling Jinhua's head, his tone tinged with a hint of wistfulness: "I'd heard before that you and your brother had a good relationship..."
Because of these words, Ling Jinhua could no longer hold back her tears, which flowed down her cheeks like a burst dam: "Yes, I was raised by my older brother, so naturally we have a good relationship."
So no matter who killed her brother, she would definitely seek revenge at all costs!
Ling Jinhua smiled faintly and looked up at Gu Yufan: "So if Your Highness does not agree to my request, I will have to find a way myself."
Gu Yufan was truly surprised that Ling Jinhua would be so bold, unlike the other women in the backyard who only knew how to compete for favor.
For a moment, Gu Yufan even felt a deep sense of unease, realizing that he must have been blind before, never having discovered such a treasure right beside him!
He gently embraced Ling Jinhua and sighed softly, "Hua'er, I'm sorry you had to suffer like this. Since the Emperor ascended the throne, he has been wary of me. If it weren't for that, Chief Secretary Ling wouldn't have suffered this calamity."
After he finished speaking, he sighed deeply again, as if he were truly lamenting the fate of Chief Secretary Ling.
Knowing the truth, Ling Jinhua clenched her fists tightly, her eyes filled with hatred.
If she weren't afraid of implicating her family, she would have stabbed this idiot to death!
Fueled by this, Ling Jinhua burst into tears: "Your Highness, since you know how deep my feelings are for my brother, please allow me to go!"
"I will never have peace of mind for the rest of my life until I see the enemy who killed my brother die with my own eyes."
She clung to Gu Yufan's clothes, tilting her head back and letting her tears fall one by one. Her tearful yet stubborn appearance completely dispelled the last trace of doubt in Gu Yufan's heart.
He didn't understand the implied meaning in Ling Jinhua's words at all.
He gently wiped away the tears from Ling Jinhua's eyes: "Alright, I promise you."
Ling Jinhua originally thought that, given Gu Yufan's suspicious nature, he would definitely not agree to her so easily.
She had even prepared to board the ship quietly, but upon hearing this, she was stunned. Her eyes and nose reddened slightly, and she asked incredulously, "Your Highness, does Your Highness agree to my request?"
Gu Yufan affectionately pinched Ling Jinhua's nose, then bent down and picked her up in his arms: "Of course!"
Ling Jinhua wrapped her arms around Gu Yufan's neck, her eyes fierce but her tone sweet and gentle: "This concubine thanks Your Highness!"
Gu Yufan laughed heartily, announcing the news just before setting off, instantly stirring up a storm.
No one expected that Gu Yufan would take a woman with him on the expedition. His advisors in the front courtyard and the naval commanders tried to persuade him, but he had already made up his mind and would not change his mind no matter what his confidants said.
The confidants had no other choice but to try to contact Gu Yufan's backyard.
In an instant, the women in the backyard went mad, rushing to the Princess of Chu's courtyard and chattering accusations.
The Queen Consort of Chu also had a gloomy expression, but unlike the concubines vying for the King's favor, she was worried about the King's safety.
Princess Chu knew best what really happened to Chief Secretary Ling.
It was also known that not long after Chief Secretary Ling's death, Ling Jinhua became much more enthusiastic towards the Prince than before. It was said that Ling Jinhua had specially made armor for her to accompany the Prince this time.
As a woman herself, Princess Chu could see clearly that although Ling Jinhua's gaze towards the prince was somewhat affectionate, she could not sense any love in her.
Because of this matter, Princess Chu had approached Gu Yufan several times, but with the expedition imminent, Gu Yufan was busy in the council hall every day and had no time to pay attention to her.
Listening to the concubines cursing Ling Jinhua one after another, their words implying that Ling Jinhua was a vixen and that the prince should choose them to take care of him.
Princess Chu was furious and lashed out, which finally made the other concubines quiet down and return to their respective courtyards. Then, she had Ling Jinhua summoned.
Facing the Princess Consort of Chu, Ling Jinhua's attitude was the same as before. After giving a slight bow, she straightened up and said, "Princess Consort."
Before the Princess of Chu could speak, her head maidservant angrily rebuked her, "How dare you! The Princess hasn't spoken yet, who told you to get up!"
As soon as the head maid finished speaking, several burly old women around the Princess of Chu were eager to step forward.
Ling Jinhua chuckled softly, deliberately touching her neck to reveal the purplish-red mark on her slender neck, which made Princess Chu's eyes redden.
The King of Chu had not entered her courtyard for quite some time.
Seeing this, Ling Jinhua smiled slightly: "I am not afraid of being beaten, but recently Your Highness seems to be a little reluctant to part with me. If you go to my courtyard tonight and find out that I was punished because of Your Highness's decision, it will be difficult for the Princess to explain!"
Princess Chu was always magnanimous, but no matter how magnanimous a woman is, she doesn't like sharing the same man with so many women, especially when this woman is riding on her head!
She had only intended to advise Ling Jinhua, but seeing Ling Jinhua's actions and her sarcastic words, Princess Chu really couldn't hold back any longer. She gave the rough-looking old women a look, and those old women stepped forward and slapped Ling Jinhua several times.
The head maid sneered, "You used to seduce the prince with that vixen face, but now that your face is ruined, let's see how you seduce him!"
The head maid pulled out her hairpin, about to stab Ling Jinhua, when Gu Yufan suddenly walked in and kicked her away without thinking. The head maid flew several meters and landed with a thud, vomiting a mouthful of blood.
As Ling Jinhua was helped up, she watched this scene with undisguised hatred in her eyes.
Was my brother also kicked to death by Gu Yufan that day?
She covered her face and lowered her eyes, saying, "Your Highness, I am fine. I would like to go back and recuperate first."
She had no interest in competing for favor with these women.
Gu Yufan had no choice but to comply. He quickly ordered his trusted aides to escort her back, and then severely reprimanded the Princess Consort of Chu in front of all the maids, showing her no mercy whatsoever.
Not only that, Gu Yufan also killed these rough and sturdy old women. In the following days, he stayed in his study every day and did not see Princess Chu again before setting off for the expedition.
As Ling Jinhua stood on the deck in her armor, looking at the dark river, she gripped the railing slightly, a smile slowly spreading across her lips.
Gu Yufan wants to be the emperor? He's dreaming!
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