What venomous intentions!
Yun Shu's expression suddenly turned cold, "The Qu family has a good plan!"
By severely trampling on Gu Zhiruo, they could completely turn things around. With the Qu family's intervention, how would Gu Zhiruo's family ever establish themselves in the capital again?
They would completely become a laughingstock of the capital, and how would Gu Zhiruo face the world in the future?
"Indeed, a good plan," Zhan Tianye agreed.
Yun Shu glanced at the sky. The moonlight was beautiful, and it had already gotten late. Tomorrow, once Gu Zhiruo and Qu Shujie were engaged, there would be no turning back.
She fell silent for a moment.
Suddenly, a spark of inspiration flashed through her mind.
She immediately dropped Zhan Tianye and said, "I'm going to find Jing Heng and have him go to the Gu residence! You enjoy the scenery yourself. The flowers have bloomed, and the moonlight is perfect. I'll be back soon!"
Without waiting for Zhan Tianye's reply, she strode away.
Zhan Tianye was left behind.
The lingering words she spoke still echoed in his ears.
Enjoy the scenery?
A garden full of scenery complemented by moonlight could indeed calm one's mind.
But could any beauty in the world compare to her?
...
Under the quiet moonlight.
The Gu residence had fallen silent.
However, Gu Zhiruo's room was still lit.
Before her dressing table, Gu Zhiruo gazed at herself in the bronze mirror, occasionally lowering her head to look at the pure gold hairpin placed in front of her.
The hairpin was a gift from Qu Shujie.
It was a floral design she liked.
And it was from him.
She gently caressed the hairpin.
A sense of anticipation filled her heart. Since confirming his feelings, she had also confirmed her own.
Just as he had said, she had previously only thought of their betrothal from childhood and that there was no affection between them. She had never imagined that one day they would connect so deeply.
It was only after confirming their mutual feelings that she realized how aimlessly she had lived before.
Gu Zhiruo's lips curved slightly.
Her gaze was very gentle as she looked at the hairpin.
Because she was too focused, she didn't notice anything out of the ordinary.
Nor did she notice a drop of water falling into the teacup placed on the table.
The water quickly mixed with the tea.
Perhaps it was because the night was too deep, Gu Zhiruo suddenly felt a bit drowsy. She took a small sip of tea, blew out the candle, and returned to bed to sleep.
At the same time, Jing Heng, who was on the rooftop, quietly departed.
...
The next day.
In the early morning, the sky began to brighten.
Madam Qu and Qu Shujie were ready early.
While having breakfast, Madam Qu specifically cautioned Qu Shujie, "Today at the Gu residence, you must behave well. No matter what, you must settle the engagement today. Your future reputation depends on today, do you understand?"
Qu Shujie replied impatiently, "I understand, I understand, Mother. I've been pretending for her for too long during this period, always afraid she'd see through me. I've almost thrown up from the things I've had to say!"
"You have to endure it even if you want to vomit. Nothing is settled yet! Moreover, Gu Zhiruo is a talented woman who excels in all arts—qin, chess, calligraphy, and painting. She is very intelligent. If you let your guard down even slightly, she will see through you. If you don't want to be exposed, you must remember what I'm telling you!" Madam Qu's anxious advice showed how much she cared.
Qu Shujie pouted, "So what if she's talented? She's too boring!"
"She is indeed boring. Never mind, after today, you won't have to pretend around her anymore. Do whatever you need to do. I'll handle the rest." Madam Qu, who always doted on Qu Shujie, felt a pang of sympathy seeing how much he disliked Gu Zhiruo and how reluctant he was to meet her.
A mere Gu Zhiruo was fortunate to be a stepping stone for her son!
Besides, if it weren't for the Gu family, wouldn't her son have lost so much face?
Only then did Qu Shujie's expression improve.
Madam Qu glanced at the sky outside. "It's about time. We should head to the Gu residence."
...
The Gu residence.
In front of Gu Zhiruo's room.
Madam Gu hesitated about whether to wake Gu Zhiruo.
"Wanqing, what time did Zhiruo go to sleep last night? Why is she still sleeping at this hour?"
Wanqing was also puzzled, "Miss usually wakes up early the next day, even if she sleeps late. Moreover, today is the day Miss is to be engaged to Young Master Qu. Why hasn't she gotten up yet? Madam, shall I go and see?"
Madam Gu looked at the sky. "It is indeed a bit late. You go in and take a look."
"Yes, Madam." Following the order, Wanqing pushed open the door and tiptoed in.
When she reached the bedside, Wanqing softly called out, "Miss?"
Gu Zhiruo on the bed seemed to be sleeping soundly, showing no signs of waking.
Wanqing felt even more puzzled. "Miss? It's time to get up for breakfast. The Qu family will be arriving soon, and it will be too late if you wake up too late."
Her voice rose slightly.
But Gu Zhiruo still showed no reaction.
At this, Wanqing became scared and gently patted Gu Zhiruo, "Miss?"
Still no reaction.
Wanqing immediately called out towards the door, "Madam, Madam, I can't wake Miss no matter how I call her! Madam, please come in and see!"
Madam Gu, who was about to leave as there were many matters to attend to on this important engagement day, immediately walked in upon hearing Wanqing's cries. "What's wrong?"
"I've called out to Miss several times and patted her a few times, but Miss is completely unresponsive and shows no signs of waking! Madam, has Miss fallen ill?" Wanqing's face turned pale with fear.
Madam Gu's face also turned white. "What?"
She immediately stepped forward and gently patted Gu Zhiruo. "Zhiruo? Zhiruo? What's wrong? Wake up quickly, don't frighten your mother. You were fine last night, how could you suddenly fall into such a deep sleep? Wake up, Zhiruo."
However, no matter how Madam Gu and Wanqing called, Gu Zhiruo remained in a deep slumber, completely unresponsive.
At this point, Madam Gu was completely flustered. "Quick! Quickly send for a doctor! No, don't send for a doctor, go and invite Miss Yun Er over!"
"I'll go right away!"
Half an hour later.
Yun Shu, who had been prepared for a long time and was waiting for the Gu family to send for her, took her medicine box and arrived at the Gu residence with Wanqing.
Just in time.
As Yun Shu alighted from her carriage at the main gate of the Gu residence, she encountered Madam Qu and Qu Shujie.
Because of her past conflict with Qu Jiaojiao, Madam Qu's expression turned extremely ugly the moment she saw Yun Shu. "Why are you here? Don't you know today is the grand engagement day for the Gu and Qu families?"
For some reason, the moment Madam Qu saw Yun Shu, she felt extremely unlucky.
Especially seeing that Yun Shu was holding a medicine box.
She felt even more unlucky!
She absolutely must not let this ruin her plans.
Qu Shujie's gaze was filled with greed as he stared at Yun Shu. She was too beautiful! Truly too beautiful. Five years ago, he hadn't thought much of her, but now, the more he looked, the faster his heart beat. Even the most beautiful courtesan in the pleasure quarters couldn't compare to Yun Shu.