Chapter 192: Informing

Chapter 192: Chapter 192: Informing

Ms. Su smiled and said, “Your father and I have discussed it. We’ve decided to adopt Huan’er as my goddaughter and plan to formalize this at the family banquet tomorrow.”

Gu Qingping’s face darkened. He looked at Li Huan’er, who, upon meeting his gaze, quickly lowered her head, adopting an expression of someone both startled and overwhelmed.

This matter wasn’t entirely Li Huan’er’s fault. A few days prior, a Young Master had come to the Gu Residence to visit Gu Qingzhou (Gu Xicheng’s son by a concubine) and happened to see the comely and captivating Li Huan’er. The Young Master was instantly smitten and, upon inquiring about her, learned she was a maid serving Madam Gu, though not one bound by a contract of servitude. The Young Master’s mother, deeming Li Huan’er’s status too low for her son, approached Ms. Su to discuss the matter. Ms. Su had been anxious about Li Huan’er’s marriage prospects. With such a favorable match presenting itself, she was naturally delighted. After discussing it with Gu Xicheng, they decided to adopt Li Huan’er as their goddaughter. This would elevate her status to match the Young Master’s and also help Gu Xicheng forge an alliance with another official, benefiting his career.

“Mother, this is unacceptable,” Gu Qingping stated immediately. He had a biological sister; he would die before agreeing to acknowledge this venomous woman as his kin.

Gu Xicheng and Ms. Su’s expressions changed simultaneously. Gu Xicheng frowned and asked, “Ping’er, why do you disagree?”

Gu Qingping took a deep breath. “It’s just not acceptable. I already have a real sister. Why should I acknowledge an outsider as my sister?”

Everyone knew the Gu family had a lost daughter. This was a forbidden topic within the residence, especially in Ms. Su’s presence.

As expected, Ms. Su abruptly released Li Huan’er and staggered backward. She clutched her chest, her face deathly pale, her brow deeply furrowed in extreme anguish.

“Madam!”

“Mother!”

Gu Xicheng and Gu Qingping both cried out at once, rushing to support Ms. Su. The father and son quickly helped her to a seat. Gu Xicheng gently patted her back to soothe her breathing, all the while glaring fiercely at Gu Qingping.

Gu Qingping knew he had blundered. His sister was his mother’s greatest sorrow. Witnessing his mother’s unbearable pain, he realized he could no longer keep his sister’s situation a secret.

It is said that an ailment of the heart requires a remedy for the heart,

he thought.

Perhaps revealing my sister’s situation will alleviate Mother’s suffering. Moreover, it could prevent this malicious ’white lotus,’ Li Huan’er, from becoming the Gu family’s adopted daughter.

“You, get out,” Gu Qingping ordered Li Huan’er, who was lingering nearby, attempting to edge closer.

Li Huan’er’s eyes flickered. What were they discussing that she wasn’t privy to? Could Gu Qingping be about to reveal Gu Qingli’s situation? This detestable Gu Qingping, trying to ruin her plans again! She had finally orchestrated a ’chance encounter’ with the son of Minister Guo of the Ministry of War, making him fall for her at first sight. Her ambitions were so close to fruition! Has Gu Qingping lost his mind? Why must he always oppose her? Her adoption into the Gu family would forge a connection with Minister Guo’s family, which would undoubtedly aid Gu Xicheng’s career. How could that country bumpkin, adrift somewhere, possibly possess the means to help the Gu family? Forget helping; her current circumstances are completely unknown! HUMPH! Trying to ruin her good fortune? Impossible!

Li Huan’er blinked, and tears instantly welled in her eyes, tracing paths down her cheeks. She looked up at Gu Xicheng and Ms. Su with a touch of defiance. She choked out, “Master, Madam, it seems Huan’er is not fated to be your daughter. But Huan’er will remain by Madam’s side, serving you wholeheartedly. That’s no different from being a daughter, is it? Huan’er can still receive Madam’s affection that way.”

“Li Huan’er, don’t be shameless!” Gu Qingping snapped, furious. He had told her to get out, yet she brazenly lingered.

Does she think I can’t do anything about it?

Li Huan’er looked at Gu Qingping, her eyes brimming with feigned grievance. “Eldest Young Master, what do you mean? When have I ever been shameless?”

Does he want to expose me? Does he really think he can find Gu Qingli? He doesn’t even know if she’s dead or alive! She’d heard that the Earthworm had turned over in Qinghe County, devastating the villages, leaving hardly anyone alive—most were wiped out. Gu Qingli was most likely buried in the disaster. Besides, the mountains are now sealed by heavy snow. Where could he possibly find anyone? And most importantly, only she knows Gu Qingli’s whereabouts. So what if Gu Qingping knows Gu Qingli isn’t dead? Can he actually find her?

“Yes, Ping’er, what’s gotten into you today? Why are you being so rash? Your mother only… she’s just missing your sister, that’s why—” Ms. Su said, recovering slightly, though her tone was displeased with Gu Qingping.

Gu Xicheng also frowned at Gu Qingping. Being old and shrewd, he could tell his eldest son’s behavior was unusually agitated. He knew Gu Qingping well: typically composed, never impulsive, even somewhat detached and aloof with everyone. He sensed Gu Qingping was concealing something, and his words strongly suggested it concerned their missing daughter. Gu Xicheng glanced at Li Huan’er.

She’s clearly a scheming girl,

he thought.

Her petty machinations couldn’t possibly escape my notice. Previously, I considered adopting her and marrying her to a son of Minister Guo’s family from the Ministry of War. Even though the young man is born of a concubine, he’s still a son. Minister Guo would likely show us some consideration in court for the sake of the marital alliance between our children, saving us some trouble. The Emperor is inherently suspicious. We officials all tread on thin ice, terrified of inadvertently falling into someone’s trap and being cast into the abyss. Fewer adversaries mean fewer calamities. But now, seeing my son’s reaction, this plan is likely to fall through.

And indeed, Gu Qingping announced, “Father, Mother, Sister is alive. I know where she is.”

“What?” Ms. Su shot to her feet, her face flushing crimson. She gripped Gu Qingping’s arm, her voice urgent, “Ping’er, are you telling the truth? You know where your sister is? Where is she? Ping’er, tell Mother quickly!” As Ms. Su spoke, tears streamed down her face.

Just as I suspected!

Gu Xicheng thought, quickly steadying Ms. Su and helping her back to her chair. He glanced at the stunned Li Huan’er and said, “Huan’er, you may leave us for now.”

“No! She cannot leave!” Gu Qingping interjected at once.

The moment Li Huan’er heard Gu Qingping declare he knew Gu Qingli’s whereabouts, her heart plummeted. It’s over. Her mind raced, desperately seeking an escape, but Gu Qingping was blocking her path. What can I do? Panic seized Li Huan’er. She had been reborn! She couldn’t die again without changing her fate, without achieving anything! She seethed with unwillingness! Was the sole purpose of her rebirth to deliver the news that Gu Qingli was still alive? No, it can’t be like this! It shouldn’t be!

Gu Xicheng and Ms. Su stared at their son, whose behavior was so uncharacteristic today, and then at Li Huan’er, who appeared equally distraught.

Could she know something about this?

they wondered.

Ms. Su pressed again, her voice strained, “Ping’er, whatever it is, please tell us quickly!”

Gu Qingping said, “Mother, please don’t be anxious, and try not to get too agitated. This story begins two years ago…” Gu Qingping then recounted in detail how he had overheard Li Huan’er arranging for assassins, how he had subsequently forced her to cancel the contract, how he later found himself adrift and ended up in Qinghe County, and then, his unexpected reunion with Gu Qingli. Naturally, he omitted the part about being captured by bandits and taken to Xiao Yunjing’s base.

The affairs of that place,

he thought,

are anything but ordinary.

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