Everyone was startled.
Gu Kun's expression turned grim.
"What? Does Father object to his daughter and Ninth Imperial Uncle staying the night?"
Though she asked this, she deliberately raised her voice.
Nangong Mo turned his gaze to Gu Kun, his eyes chilling. "Is Lord Gu trying to drive this king away?"
By not addressing Gu Kun as "father-in-law," Nangong Mo had already conveyed his displeasure. Now, he was effectively accusing Gu Kun of disrespecting royalty.
Supported by a servant, Gu Kun managed to stand on one leg. He then knelt on the ground, followed closely by Han Shi and the others.
"Your Highness, this humble subject dares not. It is my honor that Your Highness graces my humble abode with your presence."
"Since that is the case, prepare yourselves."
His indifferent gaze never once met Gu Kun's.
His commanding presence, as if looking down upon the world, left everyone else too intimidated to utter another word.
Fine wines and delicacies were served with great hospitality. During the meal, the men ate in silence. If Nangong Mo did not pick up his chopsticks, no one else dared to.
Among the women, however, the atmosphere was livelier.
"Qianying, quickly try these dishes; they are all exquisite."
Han Shi placed a small piece of cauliflower fritter, made with osmanthus, onto Gu Qianying's plate.
As Han Shi served Gu Qianying, the others watched. Gu Ziran, beside her, wanted to speak up but, under her mother's warning glance, obediently closed her mouth.
Gu Qianying took in this entire scene.
The other two concubines, Sun Shi, watched the unfolding drama with amusement. Bai Shi, her gaze distant, paid little attention to worldly affairs. After only a few bites, she bowed to Han Shi and Gu Qianying, citing poor health, and left early with her personal maid.
"This consort does not like this dish. Caixia, clear away all the dishes in front of this consort. Also, go to the main hall and tell Ninth Imperial Uncle that someone in the mansion has prepared food with osmanthus fragrance to poison this consort. Have him send people to investigate who dares to be so bold!"
Her direct and commanding words stunned everyone.
Caixia stepped forward, picked up the small plate of cauliflower fritters from in front of Gu Qianying, and immediately said, "Yes, Consort. Your servant will go now."
Han Shi and Sun Shi, realizing what had happened, quickly rose from their seats. Sun Shi bowed to Gu Qianying and explained, "Ninth Consort, I have been in charge of procurement and other dietary matters these past few days. I beg your forgiveness. It is all my fault for momentarily forgetting that Ninth Consort is allergic to osmanthus. I implore Ninth Consort to be magnanimous and forgive this transgression."
With that, Sun Shi knelt before Gu Qianying, taking all the blame upon herself. She confessed willingly.
"You foolish girl, how could you be so careless!" Han Shi chided Sun Shi a couple of times, then turned to Gu Qianying with a smile. "Qianying, I believe Aunt Sun meant no harm. Today, none of us knew you would be coming, and these dishes are ones we eat daily. It is absolutely impossible that Sun Shi deliberately tried to poison you; she merely forgot in a moment of confusion."
Having spoken, Han Shi instructed her maid, "Quickly prepare some food that our Qianying likes and can eat. Hurry!"
Adopting the demeanor of the lady of the house, her address to Gu Qianying was surprisingly affectionate.
If an outsider were to witness this, they would surely think Han Shi was very good to Gu Qianying.
However, a cold glint flashed in Gu Qianying's eyes.
Her mother had been harmed by Han Shi, and was now only kept alive by a spiritual herb, sustained by her master and senior brothers.
How could she tolerate such a debt of vengeance?
If not for her mission and her fear of arousing Nangong Mo's suspicion, she would have to feign a delusional illness and return under the guise of a homecoming visit to accomplish her objectives.
Otherwise, at this very moment, she would have already taken Han Shi's life and presented her head to her mother.
"Since it was a moment of confusion, then let it be. This consort will not pursue the matter."
Sun Shi kowtowed in thanks. "This humble subject thanks the Consort for her magnanimity in forgiving my unintentional act."
Han Shi glanced at Gu Qianying from the side, saying aloud, "I knew it, our Qianying is such a kind-hearted person."
In her heart, however, she thought: A fool is a fool, so easily deceived.
"However... though she meant no harm, she did err. Madam Han, as the mistress of the mansion, if your subordinate makes a mistake, will you, as the mistress, allow such a mistake to continue? If this consort, with my knowledge of osmanthus powder, had not been aware, wouldn't I have lost my life due to this allergy incident!"
"..."
"This..."
Han Shi was speechless.
Sun Shi's forehead beaded with sweat from fear.
Normally, she obeyed Han Shi for self-preservation.
If Han Shi were punished for the incident just now, she would undoubtedly bully Sun Shi even more when they were alone.
Thinking of this, Sun Shi wanted to plead for Han Shi. However, Gu Qianying spoke first. "Since a mistake was made, a punishment is deserved. How about this? This consort is kind-hearted and will not impose a severe penalty. You shall kneel in the courtyard for one hour."
"What?"
Han Shi was shocked, her expression immediately changing. "Gu Qianying... you..."
"Eldest Sister, please, my mother is frail and cannot kneel!"
The third young lady, Gu Ziran, pleaded for her mother.
Gu Qianying shot her a cold glance.
Gu Ziran lowered her head as if guilty.
Caixia returned at that moment, carrying the small portion of cauliflower fritters.
The others did not pay attention to her.
A maid was insignificant.
However, Gu Qianying spotted a figure in a wheelchair, pushed by Bai Qi, entering behind Caixia.
She glanced at the figure, then withdrew her gaze. She walked to Han Shi and, before Han Shi could react, forcefully grabbed Han Shi's hand and slapped herself viciously.
"Slap!"
A crisp slapping sound echoed.
Everyone turned to look.
Gu Qianying then stumbled and fell to the ground.
"Consort!"
Caixia cried out, dropping what she was holding, and rushed over.
The tray in her hands fell to the ground, and the few cauliflower fritters on it rolled into the corners like balls.
"Madam Han, why did you hit our Consort!"
Caixia, supporting Gu Qianying, glared at Han Shi.
"Bai Qi! Seize Madam Han!"
Nangong Mo's cold command rang out.
Everyone, startled, quickly cleared a path.
Bai Qi stepped forward, grabbed Han Shi, and pinned her to the ground.
Han Shi's face turned ashen with fear.
Beside her, the third young lady, Gu Ziran, turned and knelt, kowtowing to Nangong Mo. "Ninth Imperial Uncle, my mother did not do this intentionally. I beg Your Highness to spare my mother."
Gu Qianying, helped up by Caixia, remained silent.
Caixia, however, wiped away a tear and walked over, kneeling before Nangong Mo. "Your Highness, someone attempted to poison the Consort with an item she is allergic to. After explanations from Aunt Sun and Madam Han, the Consort, in her magnanimity and kindness, chose not to hold them accountable. However, she felt that not holding them accountable might lead others to believe the Ninth Prince's Mansion lacked dignity if the matter were to spread. Therefore, she lightly punished Madam Han, ordering her to kneel outside for a while. Unexpectedly, Madam Han did not accept the Consort's punishment and aggressively slapped the Consort. She even declared that as Madam Han, the mistress of the Gu family's inner court, she would not fear a woman who is cold-blooded and heartless, and who disregards the deaths of her brother and grandfather!"
The first part of Caixia's statement was factual; the latter part was her own embellishment.
"Presumptuous!"