Chapter 242: Damaged Reputation

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

Within the realm of the three nations—Chengyuan, Dingyang, and Nanqing—a collective of nine sages once thrived. In this assembly, Chengyuan was the most modest, comprising merely two. However, this number has grown with the inclusion of Gu Qingluan and Gu Zhicheng, thus amassing a total of four, on par with the esteemed Nanqing.

As long as Gu Qingluan didn’t threaten the safety of the royal family, the Emperor would never take action against her.

Qitian Yu’s proposal was partly driven by his acknowledgment of Gu Qingluan’s formidable strength.

After being exposed by Gu Qingluan, his only hope was shattered.

After a fierce internal struggle, he finally lowered his head.

“Fine, i’ll talk!”

Gu Qingluan dispelled the barrier, and Qitian Yu publicly apologized to her and admitted his mistakes.

Of course, for the sake of his reputation, he shifted the blame onto Gu Lingxue, portraying himself as a sincere man deceived by her.

Regarding this, Gu Qingluan couldn’t help but curse him silently as a scumbag, but she was pleased to see this unfold.

After all, Gu Lingxue was her greatest enemy.

“Fifth Prince, are you being coerced by her? Our Second Lady is so kind, how could she be as you described!” Wang Shi’s maid, sent to defend her interests, protested with frustration.

Considering Qitian Yu’s identity, she dared not insult him directly and could only place the blame on Gu Qingluan.

Qitian Yu’s voice grew stern. “Outrageous! When did it become your place, a servant, to speak here!”

Two guards immediately stepped forward and dragged the maid away.

“First Lady Gu, since you’re unwilling to marry this prince, 1 won’t force you. Pardon the disturbance, perhaps we’ll meet again.”

With that, he mounted his horse and left.

A line of carriages carrying betrothal gifts and guards followed as they departed.

Gu Qingluan returned to her residence with composure.

Upon entering, she saw two little figures hiding behind the door, munching on melon seeds.

“Mother, you’re amazing!” Gu Xiaonan offered her a handful of melon seeds. “Do you want some?”

Gu Qingluan playfully tweaked his little nose. “You two seem to have plenty of free time; why not return to honing your sword skills?”

The two mischievous youngsters glanced at each other, collected the melon seeds and shells, and ran off together.

Watching their retreating figures, a faint smile played on Gu Qingluan’s lips, followed by a glint of cold determination.

Gu Lingxue, even though you didn’t succeed in killing Little Yuanxi, the grudge from years ago when you tore him from my womb isn’t over. Cleanse your neck and wait, for this is just the beginning!

Seeing that the show was over, the onlookers began to disperse while discussing what they had witnessed.

The revelations of Gu Lingxue seducing her older sister’s fiance, staining her sister’s purity, and subsequently forsaking her lover for personal benefits were truly astounding.

If it weren’t for the Fifth Prince’s confession, who would believe that the esteemed Second Lady Gu was such a selfish and malicious person in private?

So many people witnessed it, and with Gu Qingluan secretly fanning the flames, in less than a day, the news spread throughout the streets and alleys, naturally reaching the ears of the Gu family members.

Wang Shi slammed the table in fury, “Gu Qingluan! You’ve gone too far!”

The kneeling maid trembled in fear.

Seeing her, Wang Shi’s anger flared. “Useless thing! 1 sent you to cause trouble for Gu Qingluan, and not only have you done nothing, but you’ve caused more harm than good! What use do I have for you?”

“Please spare me, Madam! 1 did my best! Please give me another chance!”

“Drag her out!” Wang Shi impatiently ordered.

Two servants entered and pulled the maid away.

Wang Shi’s frustration grew. She took a sip of tea and asked the maid, Nanny Lin, who was by her side, “Where is the Old Master?”

“The Master is in seclusion.”

Wang Shi’s face fell. She decided to visit Zhang Sheng.

Zhang Sheng resided in the finest guest residence of the Gu family, Jade Serenity Residence.

Upon seeing Wang Shi enter, Zhang Sheng spoke with dignity, “Madam has come. Is there something urgent?”

“When can we expect the issue within the Master’s body to be resolved?”

Zhang Sheng pondered. “I’ve already discussed this matter before. It’s not easy to deal with, it can’t be rushed. Madam, please don’t be impatient.”

Wang Shi thought to herself, can 1 really not be anxious? Her daughter’s reputation had been ruined by that wretched Gu Qingluan.

Every day was torment for her now.

“Since you’re an expert from the Island of No Return, can’t you find another way to treat him?” Wang Shi asked in displease..