Gu Qianying raised her hand and pinched Gu Kun's chin, forcing his mouth shut.
As she turned away, Gu Kun dug his fingers into his mouth, trying to pull something out, but he found nothing.
"You wretched thing, what did you feed me?"
Gu Qianying looked at Gu Kun with indifference and said leisurely, "Oh, nothing much, just a slow-acting poison. But please rest assured, Father, this poison is not fatal. It will only make you feel quite uncomfortable, and the pain will be unavoidable. Besides these symptoms, when the poison takes effect, you might also lose control of your bladder and bowels."
"Ah..."
Gu Kun clutched his stomach, sweat beading on his forehead.
A sharp pain suddenly shot through his abdomen.
"Master, what's wrong?"
"Master, don't scare me! What's happening to you?"
The third concubine, Madam Han, and Madam Sun rushed forward.
The pain in his stomach lasted for a moment before gradually subsiding.
Gu Kun's face was pale. He glared at Gu Qianying and roared, "Gu Qianying, you unfilial wretch, aren't you afraid of divine retribution for such defiance!"
Gu Qianying sneered, "If someone like you isn't afraid, then I have no reason to be."
What a joke! Divine retribution. If wicked people were truly subject to it, why were the cruel individuals who harmed and killed her in her past life still alive and well?
"You..." Gu Kun choked with anger.
"Qianying, your father knows you wouldn't bear to see me suffer. As long as you give me the antidote, I won't hold you accountable for today's events. Quickly, give me the antidote."
More than his pride, Gu Kun valued his life.
"Father, obtaining the antidote is not difficult. However, what if you bring more martial arts-skilled servants tomorrow to settle the score with me? Father, you are accustomed to breaking your promises, so please wait patiently from tomorrow onwards. I will send people to deliver a small amount of antidote to you regularly. When your anger has completely subsided, the chronic poison in your body will be thoroughly neutralized."
With that, Gu Qianying didn't bother looking at Gu Kun's contorted face, which was twisted with rage. She turned and walked towards the house. "Lu Zhu, Father is tired and needs to rest. See the guest out!"
"Gu Qianying, you!" Gu Kun was so furious he was almost driven mad.
However, due to the slow-acting poison, he had to let Gu Qianying go for the moment.
"What are you still looking at! Take this old master back, I need to rest!" Gu Kun roared at Madam Han.
Unable to vent his displeasure and anger, Gu Kun took it out on his three concubines on the way back to the front courtyard.
After returning to his chambers, still not appeased, Gu Kun summoned all the maids who slept in his room.
Torture that was less than human.
Screams echoed from within the room.
After a long while.
Several brutally mutilated maids were carried out of the front courtyard.
Some had their bodies cut, others their eyes gouged out. Two or three maids were carried out unrecognizable, their lower bodies gone, a gruesome sight.
Meanwhile, after being scolded into tears by Gu Kun, Madam Sun returned to her room and smashed all the furnishings within.
Madam Bai was more discreet. She returned to her room without crying or making a fuss, but when no one was paying attention, she quietly took out a scroll she had treasured for days, unrolled it, and gazed at it intently for a long time.
And in the side hall of the front courtyard, in the room where Gu Kun was tormenting the maids.
Gu Kun, smelling the medicinal tonic made with the maids' blood and flesh mixed with famous herbs, which emitted a bloody aroma, finally felt his anger, which had been simmering since his visit to Garden Pavilion, somewhat subside.
"Master."
The third concubine entered, carrying a food box.
Upon entering, she shooed away the maids who were on the verge of fainting but were forcing themselves to stay conscious for fear of being killed.
She then personally served Gu Kun the tonic.
The thick, blood-red tonic, containing pieces of flesh, was held carefully in Madam Han's hands. She said softly, "Master, please don't be angry. Be careful not to harm your health. I've made some of your favorite dishes. Why don't you try them?"
Gu Kun remained silent and did not look at her. He merely opened his mouth, indicating that Madam Han should feed him the tonic.
Madam Han fed him spoonful after spoonful. After a moment, she said, "The reason the eldest young lady is so disrespectful to you is probably because she knows she is doted upon and has a backer. Naturally, she fears nothing. But if the person who dotes on her is gone, how dare she be so presumptuous in front of you, Master?"
The person who doted on her is gone?
A thought suddenly sparked in Gu Kun's mind.
"Master, I have always known that you are the most capable and decisive master of this household. If you were not here to manage things, what would become of this estate? The old master is a mere brute, and the eldest young master is a stubborn fool. How can they compare to you? However, the old master is, after all, your father, and you naturally show filial piety and dare not disobey his orders. But then again, the old master is too biased towards the eldest young lady. Today, the eldest young lady poisoned you. Although it is a slow-acting poison and not fatal, it is still harmful to your health.
The eldest young lady is so arrogant and domineering today, she might directly harm you in the future. But please rest assured, Master, although I am just a woman with no strength to even tie a chicken, I can still block swords for you. Master, from today onwards, I will stay by your side without leaving. In the future, no matter who harms you, I will protect you."
Madam Han's words not only deepened the idea that had begun to form in Gu Kun's mind but also improved his attitude towards her significantly.
Gu Kun took Madam Han's hand and gently patted her hand. "This old master knew that you are the one who cares about me the most. Peijun, you are truly considerate."
Madam Han naturally sat on Gu Kun's lap and leaned into his embrace. "As long as Master is happy, I am willing to do anything."
As she spoke, Madam Han suddenly added, "By the way, Master, after tomorrow, it will be the Poison Doctor's Sacred Hall's triennial disciple recruitment ceremony. The bet that the eldest young lady made with the young princes and princesses should be fulfilled. Also, Master, I heard from someone that those participating in the entrance competition will be temporarily cut off from the outside world. At that time, we will see what kind of reputation our eldest young lady makes. Oh, right, Master, I also paid a visit to the First Madam yesterday. The First Madam's eyes and heart are now solely focused on the infant Gu Nian, completely disregarding everything else. I wonder if, in a few days, if the First Madam doesn't see the eldest young lady often, will she miss her? After all, the First Madam is the most important person to the eldest young lady."
Although Madam Han's words did not contain any particularly crucial information, they allowed Gu Kun to form a comprehensive plan in his mind.
"Peijun, give this old master the pastries you brought to taste. I'm hungry."
"Yes, Master."
Madam Han and Gu Kun exchanged many words in the room. As she was leaving, she said, "Master, I know several excellent doctors. Perhaps they can cure the poison the eldest young lady gave you. How about I invite them to the estate?"
"Good, you go and arrange it."
Gu Kun also felt that "a dead horse is better than a live one."
If those doctors could truly help him get rid of this damned chronic poison, then why would he need to be so hesitant with Gu Qianying?
"Yes, Master."
Madam Han emerged from the front courtyard but did not return to her own residence. Instead, she went to Madam Sun's room.
What they discussed remains unknown, but when Madam Han emerged again, it was already evening.
The next day.
Ninth Prince's Estate.
Lanxi Pavilion.
"A'mo, you absolutely cannot marry that Miss Gu. Cough, cough, please listen to your wet nurse... cough, cough... alright?"