The word "literary talent" was also used to bring up the previous incident and change the subject.
I didn't expect this to be brought up so suddenly. Although it was a little awkward, Gu Yunni had to respond, "Your Highness, your highness is so kind."
Unexpectedly, after hearing this, Du Changming not only did not give up, but chuckled twice, "Miss Gu, I am not joking. Your performance today is something I never expected. Usually, young ladies are only considered to be proficient in music, chess, calligraphy and painting. I never thought that Miss Gu is also so good at writing poetry. In my opinion, she is no worse than anyone else."
Du Changming still had a smile on his face, and his words almost made Gu Yunni lose her balance.
Why is it getting worse? Your Highness should just stop.
She still maintained a harmless smile, "I'm only slightly proficient in it, not as exaggerated as His Royal Highness the Crown Prince said."
I just wrote a poem, is there any need to be so hypocritical?
In fact, in Gu Yunni's view, these words are all false and empty, and she doesn't care about them.
Du Changming acted politely and continued to express his praise, "I think Miss Gu should stop being so modest. Your ability is far superior to many people. If you were a man, you would definitely pass the imperial examination. In my opinion, it's not an exaggeration to say that you are a descendant of the literary star."
After hearing this, the corners of Gu Yunni's mouth twitched slightly. He was really getting more and more exaggerated.
She had even seen the ugly expressions on the faces of some women around her who admired Du Changming.
Not a single word of these words would not drag her into the fire pit.
The women's eyes were like knives, shooting straight at her, making Gu Yunni shudder.
Especially Kou Mingxue, who wanted to pull Du Changming away.
Gu Yunni felt that it didn’t matter. It was okay to be glared at by one person or by several people.
She immediately straightened her expression and said, "I just read more books on weekdays. If other young ladies from noble families have this hobby, they will probably be no different."
Without waiting for Du Changming to say anything, Sheng Mingyu broke the deadlock first.
He coughed lightly and walked silently in front of Gu Yunni, blocking almost half of her body.
The latter's vision was mostly blocked, and he could only see a small half of Du Changming's face.
Because of a small episode, everyone's attention returned to the beginning.
At this moment, a crisp plop sound suddenly came from not far away.
Then came a woman's shrill scream, which instantly attracted the attention of everyone present. No one paid attention to Wenchang Hui and Kou Mingxue anymore.
Looking over, I saw the surface of the pond shaking constantly. It was obvious that someone had fallen in and was struggling.
"Help, help..."
While floating up and down and shouting, the woman swallowed several mouthfuls of water and was unable to float up for a while, and struggled endlessly again.
Before anyone could rescue her, the ripples on the water gradually calmed down, and the maid died.
Everyone around was stunned. Someone recognized the maid and asked cautiously, "Is that Cui'er..."
But no one heard her.
The people who reacted didn't dare to get close to the pond, and kept looking out to watch the fun.
This matter caused a big stir, and the wife of the Marquis of Changping had to go out and deal with it in person.
She sat on the main seat, glancing around solemnly, "Everyone, please be patient. I've already gone to invite the Marquis over, and he should be here soon."
After saying that, he looked at the maid standing behind him.
The maid nodded in acceptance and then hurried out.
Not long after, Changping Hou came back.
"My Lord!" All the guests stood up and saluted, but Marquis Changping waved his hand to signal everyone not to bow.
Then he looked around with a heavy gaze and asked, "Have you all been to the pond?"
"Father, because someone has died, we do not hold official positions and dare not go there rashly to avoid damaging the evidence." Seeing that Gu Yunni had remained silent, Kou Mingxue spoke on behalf of the other daughters.
Gu Yunni raised her eyes and glanced at Kou Mingxue. She didn't want to pay attention to her, but who knew that she would go against her and pick her out. Did she really think she was afraid of her?
Gu Yunni let out a cold smile as she stood up slowly and said, "Since the Marquis of Changping is here, why don't we go take a look together?"
"That's right, let's go and take a look first. If there is really an inside story in this matter, I will definitely report the truth to the emperor for the Marquis." The person who spoke was Du Changming.
Everyone was slightly stunned, and wondered in their hearts when did Gu Yunni become so close to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince?
Marquis Changping frowned. Although he didn't know what he was doing, for the sake of the Marquis's mansion, he naturally would not offend the prince at this moment. He then ordered the butler to lead the way to the lake.
By the time everyone reached the edge of the pond, the water had already turned red. If they were close, they could even smell a foul odor.
Everyone held their breath and made no sound, for fear of disrupting the phenomenon here.
Cui'er's body was seen floating in the lake, her face still showing fear and despair.
Her clothes were scattered on the small trees by the lake, blown by the wind, like a torn scroll.
"This is... Cui'er!"
Someone nearby suddenly screamed, scaring everyone back a few steps, but they resisted the urge to vomit.
Seeing that the person who died was indeed someone from his own residence, the Marquis of Changping was furious. "Investigate! We must investigate thoroughly! I want to see who is so bold as to commit such a murder in the Marquis' residence!"
"Yes!" the butler replied respectfully.
Marquis Changping turned and clasped his fists towards Du Changming, saying, "Your Highness, you have seen this. This incident is extraordinary. I beg Your Highness to make the decision for me."
"Don't worry, my lord. I will handle the case impartially and will never let the truth be tarnished!" Du Changming promised solemnly with a serious face.
"Then I'll have to trouble Your Highness." Marquis Changping expressed his gratitude again.
He originally wanted to ask the prince to go back, but if he asked him to leave rashly, he was afraid that the prince would report the murder in the marquis' mansion to the emperor.
By then, the Marquis of Changping’s Mansion will definitely be impeached in the court.
Marquis Changping was overwhelmed by what he saw, but he couldn't care less at the moment. He immediately sent people to fish the body ashore and interrogate it carefully.
But as time passed, the investigation progressed slowly and no valuable clues surfaced.
The atmosphere in the hall became increasingly depressing, and everyone's mood became increasingly heavy. Marquis Changping was extremely anxious, and he couldn't help but begin to doubt his own abilities.
Just as everyone was in despair, a young servant stepped into the hall. He was dressed in a simple gray robe and saluted everyone nervously.
The Marquis of Changping looked at him, and something in his heart moved. He felt that there seemed to be something wrong with this young man. "Who are you?"
The young man replied timidly, "My Lord, I am a servant in the kitchen, my name is Ajie."
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