Chapter 201: Nameless Corpse

Xie shi gave Zhang shi a half-smile. “Dasao truly knows how to play the good person.” “It’s rare to see dimei showing such concern for Xiao Jiu’s health,” Zhang shi replied with a thinly veiled barb. Xie shi’s face darkened. “Dasao, mind your words.” Zhang shi laughed lightly. “Just a jest, don’t take offence.” Xie […]

Chapter 202: Mourning Notice

Gu daren walked heavily into Furong Yuan. Xie shi was surprised. She hesitated a moment, then rose to greet him. “Why has laoye come?” Gu daren said nothing. He only looked at her. Xie shi frowned. “Why are you looking at me like that? Have I done something wrong again to displease you?” Gu daren […]

Chapter 203: A Storm is Brewing

Gu Jiu tapped the table, again and again. She was torn. On the one hand, she hoped the Jinwuwei would uncover the truth and expose Fang shaojian. On the other hand, she wished they would find nothing at all, then she would be safe. But the moment she thought of someone pulling strings behind this […]

Chapter 204: The Emperor’s Wrath

“Roll in here!” With a thunderous roar from the Son of Heaven, the Crown Prince nearly tumbled in, terrified out of his wits. “Erchen bows before fuhuang!” Kaiyao Emperor’s eyes bulged like copper bells, filled with murderous rage. “I heard you went to mourn a minister?” The Crown Prince stammered, trembling, “Yes! Xie aiqing met […]

Chapter 205: Too Ugly

Jiang Yan struggled to haul the heavy bucket of water up from the well, then poured it into the washbasin full of dirty clothes. Now, Jiang Yan was nothing more than the lowest-ranking maidservant in the palace. She wore coarse cloth garments; her face was sallow and haggard, her hands rough and calloused. Compared to […]

Chapter 206: Sowing Discord

When Xie shi saw Bai yiniang, she could not hide the smile on her face. Ha… ha… The once delicate and gentle Bai yiniang had turned into a pale, plump bun of a woman. No wonder laoye only stayed at Xiangsi Yuan for the time it takes to drink one cup of tea before leaving. […]

Chapter 207: Bai yiniang’s Child Dies

Gu Jiu went with her sisters to the side chamber, bringing along the gifts they had each prepared. “Mei jiejie, we wish you a happy marriage, may you grow old together in harmony, and soon give birth to a noble son.” Everyone voiced auspicious blessings in unison, making Gu Mei blush crimson with shyness. Seeing […]

Chapter 208: Fierce Confrontation

Bai yiniang slowly lifted her head, as if only now realising how many people had come. She saw no one else. In her eyes, there was only Xie shi. “Give me back my child!” A piercing scream tore from Bai yiniang’s throat. She suddenly grabbed at Xie shi’s dress and struck toward her. “Give me […]

Chapter 209: Angering Gu Jiu

As Gu Jiu had expected, the death of the Twelfth Brother was swept under the rug by Gu daren with a mix of half-hearted effort. Gu Jiu teased, “Ever since we returned to the capital, Father’s skill at sweeping things under the rug seems to have improved even further.” Qing Mei said, “I suppose, perhaps […]

Chapter 210: Sending off the Bride

The twenty-fifth day, an auspicious day in every way. Today was Gu Mei’s wedding. Gu Jiu and the others hurried to the hou fu to see her off. Seeing Gu Mei dressed in her bright red wedding gown, adorned with bridal makeup, she looked truly beautiful! Even beneath the heavy bridal makeup, Gu Mei’s natural […]

Chapter 211: Silver

Gu Jiu stepped forward and bowed deeply. “Please, Fang mama, assist me.” Fang mama sized Gu Jiu up with an indifferent gaze. “Er guniang is too polite.” Gu Jiu lifted her head and looked at Fang mama. “Is mama unwilling to help me?” Fang mama asked coldly, “Does er guniang seek safety or advancement?” Gu […]

Chapter 212: Dasao

Gu Lin got up from the floor and ran to the outer courtyard to request an audience with Gu daren. After learning the whole story, Gu daren refused to see Gu Lin. He said, “The matters of the inner courtyard are for taitai to handle. Tell wu yatou to return to her room and rest, […]

Chapter 213: Arson

“Mother, are all the betrothal gifts counted as part of my dowry?” Gu Yue asked cautiously. Xie shi nodded in agreement. “Of course. These betrothal gifts should be included with your dowry and brought to the Haixi bo fu by you.” Gu Yue was overjoyed. Seeing Gu Shan and Gu Jiu, she found them more […]

Chapter 214: Capturing

Not far from Fangcao Hall, in Zhilian Yuan, Wang Yi suddenly pointed to the sky. “Fire!” Hearing this, Gu Jiu hurried out of the house. From the direction of Fangcao Hall, thick smoke was billowing. “Quick, put out the fire! Go to the outer courtyard and get help!” Saying this, Gu Jiu ran forward first. […]

Chapter 215: Harm

“Stop hitting her!” Gu Yue had been beaten almost to death by Gu daren, and Xie shi suddenly spoke up to stop him. Gu daren turned back, his gaze cold and sharp as he stared at Xie shi. “What, are you starting to feel sorry for her now? Your precious daughter wants to kill another […]

Chapter 216: Backing

Gu Jiu was short on people. Various kinds of talent were needed. People were easy to find, but loyal and trustworthy ones were rare. So, Gu Jiu asked Fang mama to help her search for capable individuals, preferably those who had served in the palace. When Fang mama reported that she had found potential candidates, […]

Chapter 217: Taking a Concubine

Gu Jiu arrived at the Furong Yuan and encountered Gu Shan. Even more surprisingly, Zhang shi and Xiao Zhang shi were also there. Was this turning into an all-out spectacle? Zhang shi was chatting with Xie shi, inquiring about her health. This time, Xie shi’s illness was mainly a matter of the heart. The doctor […]

Chapter 218: Assassination Attempt

When Gu daren woke up, he learned that his favored concubine, Tan yiniang, was ill. Furious, he scolded the steward, Gu Quan. “What are you doing? Such a serious matter, and you didn’t wake me?” Gu Quan looked aggrieved. “Laoye was asleep…” “Shut up!” Gu daren, anxious and frantic, hurried to the back courtyard to […]

Chapter 219: Robbery

Without Wang Yi needing to remind her, Gu Jiu rolled twice and hid behind a rock. Whoosh! Another arrow sliced through the air, exploding past her ears. Wang Yi waved her rolling pin to deflect the attack. “Guniang, stay hidden! I’ll go find that person.” “Wang Yi, don’t run off!” Qing Mei shouted. Gu Jiu […]

Chapter 220: First Return to Natal Home

“Guniang, it’s time to leave.” It was almost noon when Qing Mei, daringly, walked into the back courtyard to remind Gu Jiu. Gu Jiu nodded to Qing Mei, signaling her not to worry. Then she turned to Liu Zhao and said, “I should go now.” “I’ll see you off.” “No!” Gu Jiu stopped him. Liu […]