Chapter 102 [VIP]
Zhao Yang raised her head and stared at Gong Hai, her red lips pressed tightly together, her beautiful face contorted with anger.
Bang bang bang!
The guards rampaged through the hall, overturning half of the tables, scattering plates and bowls everywhere, and flying shards of metal. The huge theater hall was a complete mess.
Some people were so frightened that they tried to leave, but they were stopped by guards with swords as soon as they reached the door.
Two burly guards stood there, their swords slightly drawn.
Xiangxilou was one of the two largest theaters in the capital. In addition to ordinary people, many nobles and officials would also go to watch the operas. They would mostly sit in the private boxes on the second floor.
Even if Zhao Yang was domineering, she wouldn't offend people everywhere. Seeing that the main hall was almost half destroyed, she raised her hand to signal the guards not to follow her. Then, with a flick of her sleeve, she went straight up the stairs.
Her steps were heavy, and her arrogance was extremely high.
Zhao Yang stood on the second-floor corridor, glaring angrily: "Gong Hai, give me back Sese."
“Princess, our wedding is next month. His Majesty has promised that after the wedding, you are not allowed to live in the Princess's residence anymore.” Gong Hai led Sese towards her, gently putting his arm around her shoulder. “We will be husband and wife from now on. Can't we talk things out in bed? Don't you think so?”
"The eldest princess."
The last phrase, "eldest princess," was full of sarcasm.
Zhao Yang pushed his hand away in disgust, lightly patted his cheek twice with her fair and delicate palm, and then slapped him hard: "Even if I am disliked by the Emperor, I am still a princess, a royal daughter. What are you? You dare to touch my people."
"SeSe, come here."
Sese slightly raised her eyelids, tears welling up before she could speak, her trembling long eyelashes seeming to hold endless grievances.
Sese wasn't the most handsome of Zhaoyang's male concubines, but she was the most docile and best at serving him. He was deeply in love with her and devoted to her. Zhaoyang had even considered that even if he grew tired of her in the future, he wouldn't give her away.
Unexpectedly, Gong Hai insisted on competing with her.
She was the one who set her sights on it first!
In the past, Gong Hai was the emperor's favorite minister, holding a high position and great power. She couldn't compete with him, so she could only give up Sese when she was most cherished.
Now, Gong Hai is barely able to protect himself, yet he still dares to compete with her for Sese!
How can this be tolerated?!
Zhao Yang pulled Sese over, raised her chin and said, "Gong Hai, Sese belongs to me. If you ever lay a finger on her again, don't blame me for being ruthless."
Gong Hai stroked his cheek, his narrow eyes filled with ferocity.
Zhao Yang let out a soft hum.
"Be obedient, and I might keep you as my dog; otherwise..."
Before she could finish speaking, Gong Hai grabbed her delicate neck. Fueled by rage, he used tremendous force, pinching Zhao Yang until her face turned pale. She tried to pry his hand away with both hands, her legs unconsciously retreating until her back slammed against the second-floor railing, her body bending backward with difficulty.
The guests in the lobby gasped in surprise, and the guards, their faces pale, ran upstairs to the second floor.
The commotion startled the guests in the private room, and some peeked out.
Gong Hai's expression shifted between anger and uncertainty, a fierce killing intent flashing in his eyes.
Gong Hai was only suspended from his post, and she's already convinced she has no chance of making a comeback? She's taking advantage of his kindness and trying to embarrass him. Fine, very well!
"Sir, no!"
Sese rushed over, knelt on the ground, and grabbed Gong Hai's arm.
"Don't do this..."
He shook his head at him with tears in his eyes, as if he wanted to say something but couldn't.
"Princess...please don't do this."
Now even an actress feels she can't turn her life around and can only submit to the princess?
Oh.
Gong Hai released his grip with a cold laugh and shouted, "Who dares to move?"
Gong Hai had commanded the Imperial Guards for over a decade, and his prestige remained undiminished. The palace guards were all former members of the Imperial Guards. With just a glance from him, they would exchange bewildered glances and hesitate to move forward.
Sese ran to Zhaoyang and helped her up, asking worriedly, "Princess, are you alright?"
“Princess, I am but an actor. I am already extremely fortunate to have won your favor.”
Sese nestled against Zhaoyang. He had practiced martial arts since childhood, making him extremely graceful. When he spoke, his tone was gentle and affectionate, as if he were singing in an opera.
Zhao Yang covered her throat, coughing uncontrollably until tears streamed down her face.
Gong Hai.
Gong Hai!
"I don't want you to suffer for me anymore." Sese leaned against her weakly, her eyes full of seductive charm, and said, "Princess, I know how good you are to me. If I were to... I would repay you in my next life."
Every word he uttered, every glance he made, evoked pity and made one wish to hold him in their arms.
All the princes and concubines had left, leaving the mansion empty except for Sese, who was still waiting for her.
Zhao Yang grabbed Sese's wrist, her beautiful face contorted with anger, and said in a hoarse voice, "Gong Hai. The ruler is superior to the subject. Sese is my person, not someone you should be coveting."
Gong Hai remained unfazed: "Princess, if you like Sese, we can give her to you after our wedding."
"Not now!"
He can deliver it.
However, he would never allow anyone to take it from him!
The surroundings were as quiet as a cicada's song.
Gu Zhizhuo rested his chin on his palm and leaned against the lattice window.
It may seem like they're vying for a beautiful woman, but anyone with eyes can see that they're just fighting for pride. The fact that they've gone this far is not only due to their personalities, but also to the instigation and manipulation by others.
Gu Zhizhu ate pine nuts with great interest.
Gong Hai and Zhao Yang were already at odds, and their mutual dislike stemmed from a marriage contract, yet they also happened to have remarkably similar personalities.
This seemingly weak and helpless woman was actually stirring up the emotions of both of them with every word she uttered.
"Meow."
The cat leaped onto her lap, nuzzled her with its fluffy little head, and called out impatiently.
Gu Zhizhuo gave it a perfunctory rub.
The cat was very dissatisfied. Its little paws kept tugging at her hand. When she didn't move, it stood up on its hind legs and climbed onto her shoulders, rubbing its wet little nose against her chin.
Okay, okay, it itches.
Gu Zhizhuo chuckled, picked it up, and rubbed it against him vigorously, making the cat very happy and squinting its eyes contentedly.
"How dare you!"
"Let him go!"
The cat was startled; its golden eyes widened, and its pupils became straight lines.
Its two front paws gripped the window frame, and it suddenly let out a short, excited cry.
"Meow!"
Gu Zhizhuo's gaze followed, and Gong Hai was holding Sese's hand tightly, pulling him towards the stairs.
Zhao Yang, his face contorted in a grimace, shouted, "Guards! Seize him!"
The guards formed a circle downstairs, their longswords drawn and pointed in Gong Hai's direction.
"Master," Sese cried out in pain, "It's all Sese's fault, Sese will go with you."
His voice was mournful, and his misty eyes were filled with a sense of bewilderment.
"My lord, please don't take your anger out on the princess because of Sese."
Gong Hai didn't care and sneered repeatedly.
Zhao Yang clutched her neck, a feeling of despair, as if she were about to suffocate, lingering in her heart for a long time.
When she was favored by the emperor, who dared to treat her like that?!
Many of the private rooms around her had their windows open, and Zhao Yang could even feel the gazes around her like sharp thorns, piercing her body and causing her pain.
The guards had already smashed the main hall to pieces, and the commoners below were all watching her, waiting to see her make a fool of herself!
She came with such fanfare, and if she were to let Gong Hai take Sese away right in front of her, she would never be able to hold her head up high again.
Sese turned to look at her, her eyes filled with tears, then turned back with difficulty, and was pulled down one step of the stairs.
"stop."
Zhao Yang let out a loud shout, which tore at his throat and caused him excruciating pain.
Zhao Yang, who was leaning against the railing, suddenly rushed over and gave Gong Hai a hard push on the back.
Gong Hai was caught off guard, or rather, he hadn't expected her to do this at all. But being a martial artist, he reacted quickly, grabbing the handrail and rushing towards Zhao Yang with teary eyes. No one noticed that he had secretly stretched out his leg. Before Gong Hai could regain his balance, he was suddenly hooked, causing him to completely lose his balance and tumble down the stairs.
Wow.
Gu Zhizhuo and Maotou leaned their heads together, clinging to the lattice window. Their eyes were identical, shining like stars.
The cat's ears stood up, its fur bristled with excitement, and its unicorn-like tail swayed wildly.
"You noticed it too, didn't you?"
"Meow!"
The cat excitedly lunged forward, but Gu Zhizhuo swiftly stopped and pulled it into his arms.
Shh.
Gu Zhizhuo gestured for the cat to be quiet. Zhao Yang didn't turn around; she was standing at the top of the stairs, looking down.
"Princess."
Sese threw herself into her arms, her eyes filled with expectation: "You saved me. I will obey you for the rest of my life."
He was clearly taller than her, but because of his slender figure, narrow waist, and long legs, even when he wrapped his arms around Zhaoyang's waist, he looked like a little bird nestled against her. Gazing at her with those loving eyes, Zhaoyang instantly forgot her initial unease.
"Don't be afraid, I will protect you."
Sese leaned against her: "But, Master Gong said that you can't live in the Princess's mansion anymore, so what if..." As he spoke, he couldn't help but tremble all over, his red lips turning white, "Even if you're not a slave, if you're one of the other brothers around the Princess, won't you suffer too?"
"He dares!"
“Princess, I am not afraid. As long as I can serve by your side, I will endure it.”
Zhao Yang's anger, which he had managed to suppress, flared up once again.
She walked down the stairs. Gong Hai was lying on the ground, seemingly unable to get up because he had broken his leg. He was supporting himself with his elbows and glaring fiercely at Zhao Yang, his eyes filled with a ruthless intensity that seemed to want to skin her alive.
Zhao Yang's eyes were also filled with resentment.
Father Emperor will definitely not retract his decree, and he is a man of his word. There's a high chance he will force her to live in the Gong residence and spend every day with Gong Hai.
Gong Hai is a man who doesn't discriminate between meat and fish; if he were to take a fancy to her...
No, given how openly they've fallen out, Gong Hai will definitely try to annoy her on purpose.
Since that's the case, it's better to go all the way and completely cut off his hopes.
Zhao Yang walked slowly to Gong Hai's side, a malicious and gleeful smile curling at the corner of his mouth, and stomped hard on his crotch.
"ah!"
Gong Hai's leg was broken, so he couldn't dodge at all. The intense pain in his groin made him scream uncontrollably.
Zhaoyang rubbed it with the heel of her embroidered shoe.
"Ahhh!"
All the men in the lobby were stunned. They instinctively squeezed their legs together and backed away, then backed away again.
Zhao Yang lifted her foot, glanced disdainfully at the bloodstains on her embroidered shoes, and wiped them on the ground.
"Ahhh!"
Gong Hai was still screaming in agony. He clutched his groin and rolled on the ground. In just a few breaths, blood stained his trousers red, and the blood meandered down the ground to the feet of the guards.
The guards were stunned, their eyes glazed over.
"Oh."
Zhao Yang let out a victor's cold laugh.
"That's good."
She crouched down, not caring at all about the large expanse of snow-white skin exposed on her chest. Her red lips curved into a smile as she looked down at him and said, "Anyway, you're already this old. You can serve me as a eunuch in the future, and I will make sure you secure your position as the prince consort. If you're obedient, I can even have a child for you. That way, you'll have someone to worship you and offer incense after you die."
Zhao Yang had actually thought about it later. What angered her father was that she hadn't given birth to a child after so many years of marriage into the Lu family, which made him feel controlled in every way. So, she would learn from this experience and have a child this time.
It doesn't matter who the father of the child is, as long as he takes Gong Hai's surname.
Gong Hai's screams echoed throughout the entire theater, sending chills down everyone's spines just by hearing them.
People in the private rooms on the second floor also came out to see what was going on, having heard the commotion.
Neither Gong Hai nor Zhao Yang were easy to deal with. Neither of them wanted to cause trouble, thinking that they would just have a few words to say and then it would be over, just like before. Who would have thought that they would quarrel like this?
Gu Zhizhu peeked out, and from her angle, she could see Gong Hai fall down the stairs. What happened downstairs?
The screams didn't sound like just broken arms and legs.
"Shall we go out and take a look?" Xie Yingchen whispered in her ear.
"Meow!"
Shenmao disliked that he was too close, so she slapped him unhappily, jumped down, and ran away.
Can we go outside to see? Gu Zhizhu looked up and saw many people leaning against the railing looking down.
Huh?
"It's Xie Jing."
Xie Jing and Ji Nanke came out from a place three private rooms away from them. After Xie Jing glanced at them, he was about to leave when Ji Nanke gently tugged at his sleeve.
"Master, may I go out?"
"When in Rome, do as the Romans do." Gu Zhizhuo, now seated, had to ask if her going out would affect Shen Xu. For example, what if Shen Xu and Xie Chenying were discovered meeting privately?
Shen Xu had no interest in the commotion outside, and simply lifted his eyelids, saying, "Go if you want to."
Since he had said so, Gu Zhizhuo naturally wouldn't refuse and excitedly got up. Xie Yingchen opened the sliding door and walked out with her.
Shen Xu stroked the cat's glossy fur, and the cat's ears twitched, its little head turning restlessly back and forth.
"You want to go? Go ahead."
"Meow!"
The cat excitedly jumped off his lap and ran off on all fours, as fast as a black lightning bolt.
Shen Xu: "...Boring."
The cat caught up with Gu Zhizhuo and leaped into her arms, its qilin tail dangling from her hand, swaying idly. Gu Zhizhuo looked down; Gong Hai was groaning incessantly, blood still flowing from his groin.
The audience members around were terrified and whispered among themselves.
"Young master, where is he injured?"
Xie Yingchen: "..."
Gong Hai was in so much pain that his face turned deathly pale, and his whole body was soaked in cold sweat.
"save……"
He groaned, his muddled eyes staring at Zhaoyang with resentment, when out of the corner of his eye he suddenly caught sight of a pair of familiar phoenix eyes.
It's her!
Gu Zhizhuo was not wearing a veil today. Her eyebrows and eyes were exquisite, and her eyes were lively, just like the one I saw at Tianxi Tower that day.
The last time, he witnessed her saving the dying Prime Minister Song at this very place.
She can save him!
"Help me..."
Gong Hai unconsciously reached out his hand to her, his lips moved slightly, and his voice was extremely weak.
Gu Zhizhuo didn't hear it, but he understood his lip movements.
She opened her mouth and said, "Has anyone ever taught you that you should never offend a doctor who can bring the dead back to life, otherwise, when you are about to die in the future, no one will be there to save you?"
Gong Hai was stunned for a moment. Yes, that's exactly what she said back at Tianxi Tower.
He thought he would never have such a day.
But now, it seems as if fate is mocking him.
"SeSe, let's go."
Zhao Yang, her shoulders half-exposed, proudly linked arms with Sese in front of him.
"Princess, please come here."
Gong Hai softened his voice and called out weakly.
This was the first time Zhao Yang had seen him back down, so he paused and turned around to look at him.
"Princess, I have something to say, something to ask..."
"Speak," Zhao Yang said, looking down at her with an air of superiority.
Perhaps he was too weak, because Zhao Yang saw him moving his lips but couldn't hear what he was saying.
"Princess, I was wrong..."
Zhao Yang walked a little closer, then unconsciously lowered her head and said arrogantly, "If you obediently admit your mistake and know your place in the future, I will keep my word."
Her voice stopped abruptly, and Zhao Yang, her eyes wide, clutched her lower abdomen and fell backward.
A sharp blade was stuck in her abdomen, and blood was gushing out from her fingertips.
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