Chapter 23 Someone fell into the water
"Yes, Madam Hou, please make the arrangements!"
The two women speaking were the wives of third-rank officials. Their families were not as well-established as aristocratic families, so they naturally longed for this opportunity to marry into a higher social class.
Once their daughters catch the Crown Prince's eye, why should they worry about these aristocratic families looking down on them? They'll probably all be eager to flatter them.
Gu Shuyan had a pretty good grasp of what those people were thinking. While she was sneering to herself, she couldn't help but scan the scene.
As expected, Gu Shuyan did not see Ouyang Jing, and for some reason, she felt a great sense of relief.
"Shuyan, when those people are performing later, take Mingyu out for a walk."
The Crown Prince ordered all the young ladies present to perform their talents. Gu Yingxue had been raised in the mansion for many years, so Madam Ji didn't need to worry about her. However, Gu Shuyan had only been back in the Gu family for a few days, which would inevitably make people laugh. This was the only solution Madam Ji could think of.
"Yes, Mother."
Although Gu Shuyan had learned the arts of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting after returning to the capital in her previous life, this was not the time for her to show them off.
Furthermore, she had no desire to please the current foolish crown prince.
After glancing at the Crown Prince's haughty face, Gu Shuyan's gaze once again fell on the man sitting below him.
If she remembered correctly, at this time, Lu Youming followed the Crown Prince's lead in everything he did. Similarly, while the Crown Prince trusted him, he gradually fell into the vanity that Lu Youming had built for him.
At this moment, Lu Youming saw the Crown Prince's lecherous eyes darting around, and as a triumphant smile appeared on his lips, he lowered his head and took a sip of the fine wine on the small table.
Before he could swallow, a chill ran down his spine, and he felt as if he were being watched by some wild beast.
Lu Youming was startled and hurriedly tried to find the source of the gaze, but unfortunately, all he saw was a scene of singing and dancing.
"Mingyu, come for a walk with me."
Gu Shuyan withdrew her gaze and let Mingyu help her walk outside.
Inside the banquet hall, everyone racked their brains to curry favor with the Crown Prince, which made things much quieter outside.
After passing through a courtyard, Gu Shuyan arrived at the rockery as expected. Looking at the empty garden, Gu Shuyan slowly spread out her blood-soaked hand.
"Miss, why is your hand bleeding?"
Upon seeing the blood on Gu Shuyan's palm, Mingyu was immediately startled and quickly used a handkerchief to bandage Gu Shuyan's hand.
Gu Shuyan shook her head when she saw this, "It's alright, go pick some mugwort over there, I'll go wash up first."
With that, Gu Shuyan strode towards the pond. Mingyu saw this, glanced at the few mugwort plants not far away, and ran over to them.
Although it's almost summer, the weather isn't hot. The cool water falling into her palm, the alternating burning pain and the refreshing coolness of the river, actually made Gu Shuyan a bit more awake.
Behind her, a woman slowly approached. Her footsteps were so light that Gu Shuyan, who was squatting by the pond, didn't hear a sound.
Suddenly, the woman reached out her hand towards Gu Shuyan, and then a splash was heard as a huge spray of water rose from the pond.
Gu Shuyan turned and sat down to the side, watching the heads slowly emerge from the pond, a faint smile appearing on her lips.
"Help! Someone has fallen into the water!"
The large garden was originally deserted, but when Gu Shuyan shouted, a burly man immediately appeared.
The man saw the figure splashing in the water and, without even seeing who it was, jumped in.
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