Chapter 459 - 95, 2nd time: Beard?

Chapter 459: Chapter 95, 2nd time: Beard?

Yin Kun looked at the palace gate and sighed deeply. This was the third time he had entered the palace today, and he was unsure whether the Emperor’s condition was serious this time. In his opinion, it was likely due to the Eldest Prince upsetting him.

The Third Prince was falsely accused and still hasn’t been released from confinement. The Eldest Prince committed such a serious crime, yet the Emperor is still delaying punishment, showing extreme bias.

"Doctor Chen, how is the Emperor’s condition?" Several ministers surrounded Doctor Chen, bombarding him with questions about the Emperor’s health.

Yin Kun didn’t expect so many ministers had already arrived; he was not the first. It seemed his foundation was still too shallow, a reminder that the aristocratic family’s heritage is formidable.

After waiting another two hours, Gu Chengyu was finally released. Seeing the pleasant scenery outside, he resolved never to return to that miserable cell again. Exhaling a breath of stale air, he briskly made his way home.

Gu Chengyu hesitated on the street, wondering whether to hire a carriage. At this moment, he simply wanted to return quickly and wash off the bad luck.

"Young master!"

Ding Shi had been watching the cell from outside, and seeing Gu Chengyu come out, he was overjoyed.

"Ding Shi? What are you doing here? Do you have a carriage? Quickly take me home." Gu Chengyu was surprised to see Ding Shi, unsure of how everything was in the mansion during his two-day absence.

"Young master! Steward Ming Yan told me to wait outside the cell. Yesterday, I tried to visit but was chased out. I’ve been here for the past two days."

Ding Shi then scratched his head, "I didn’t come here by carriage."

Gu Chengyu thought that perhaps the watch was tight when he was first captured, hence Ding Shi couldn’t enter. Today the prison guards likely received news that they would be released; they wouldn’t miss the chance to earn silver. Who knows how much silver Hua Lian lost trying to get into the cell—it was a waste.

Ding Shi hired a carriage in front, and the two took it back to the Gu Mansion.

"Xiao Bao? You’re finally back?" Gu Wan was changing Xiao Baozi’s pants when she looked up and saw Gu Chengyu standing in front of her.

Gu Wan was overjoyed; she thought it would take at least three days, but unexpectedly, he was released today. She put down Xiao Baozi, her eyes brimming with tears as she looked at Gu Chengyu.

"You’re finally out. Our parents would have been worried sick. We came to the Capital together; I should have taken care of you, but instead, you’re always looking out for me. I didn’t expect such a big incident this time, and I couldn’t help at all."

Gu Wan felt deeply guilty. Xiao Bao had never depended on the family from a young age. He came up with the plan himself when trouble arose, yet she was immensely proud; her little brother was far more capable than those officials.

Seeing the woman cry, Gu Chengyu felt flustered and clumsily used a handkerchief to wipe her tears.

"Aren’t I back now? Didn’t I tell Ming Mo to inform you before I left? Not to worry, I’d be back within three days."

He had a close bond with Gu Wan since childhood and knew she would worry about him, so he had instructed Ming Mo beforehand.

"And you said there was nothing! Why were you imprisoned then? I heard some people are beaten badly once they’re locked up, are you okay?"

Gu Wan felt around Gu Chengyu and, seeing his clothes were intact, felt reassured that he hadn’t suffered much hardship.

Although Xiao Bao’s senior brother had said they would take care of it, without seeing him personally, she wasn’t at ease.

"Do I look like something happened to me? Don’t worry! I ate well, slept well! Just no place to bathe. Second sister! I reek—I should clean myself first. Where’s Brother Sun? I haven’t seen Ming Mo and the others either."

Gu Wan gave him a playful glance, "You’ve always made a fuss over nothing since you were little."

"Brother Xian went back to get something; he’ll be back soon. I haven’t seen Ming Mo as well; I guess he went out for something!"

"Mom! Uncle! Hug!" Xiao Baozi, feeling neglected by both, became a bit unhappy and tugged at Gu Chengyu’s robe, trying to climb up.

Gu Chengyu looked at Xiao Baozi, feeling elated.

"Haha! Xiao Baozi wet his pants? Shame on you!"

Earlier, Gu Wan was changing Xiao Baozi’s pants, yet they were only halfway changed when she got distracted by Gu Chengyu’s arrival.

Gu Chengyu picked up Xiao Baozi, giving him a kiss on the cheek.

"Ouch! Uncle, your beard!"

Gu Chengyu was taken aback; how horrifying was that comment? Internally distressed, he wondered if he had grown a beard at just fourteen.

He had never seriously considered this issue, and quietly put Xiao Baozi down. He touched his chin—smooth as ever!

Noticing a bronze mirror in Gu Wan’s bedroom, Gu Chengyu quickly leaned on the dressing table to check.

Though the bronze mirror was blurred, Gu Chengyu saw clearly there was no beard. Examining closer, alright! The peach fuzz had grown a little thicker—just a little.

Gu Wan was puzzled by Gu Chengyu’s sudden contemplative demeanor but couldn’t help laughing after noticing his actions.

"Xiao Bao grew a beard? Then it’s time to find a bride for you. I’ll write to our parents so they can find you a young bride early," Gu Wan teased him.

Gu Chengyu gloomily declared, "Not marrying!"

Then, he turned to return to his courtyard, feeling displeased and not wanting to talk.

Gu Wan assumed Gu Chengyu hadn’t matured yet and smiled. Once he reached Mu Shao’ai’s age, he would surely want to marry someone he liked.

Gu Chengyu returned to his courtyard, dismissing such thoughts. He asked Nanny Liang to prepare water for his bath.

He pondered where Ming Mo and Ming Yan had gone. Earlier, he instructed them to keep an eye on Hu Maoshen.

Could there be an issue with Hu Maoshen? Why hadn’t they returned when he himself had come back?

Sitting comfortably in the bathtub, Gu Chengyu sighed, mentally reviewing the things to do in the next two days.

He wondered who had helped him this time, needing to personally visit them to express gratitude. After a good rest today, he’d plan to visit his master’s and senior brother’s residences tomorrow to understand the current court situation.

The Zhu Mansion also needed a visit; they’d only met outside before and hadn’t formally visited the mansion.

Recently, Zhu Pang’s father had hinted at some information; otherwise, how would Zhu Pang know so much? Of course, he needed to thank them personally.

"Young master! Shall I assist with your bath and dressing?" Gu Chengyu was suddenly startled; wasn’t this Lichun’s voice?

He realized that since Ming Mo and the others weren’t in the mansion, he had no clothes prepared. Lichun must have been sent by Nanny Liang.

"Just leave the clothes there! No need to assist!" Gu Chengyu was not accustomed to being served, especially by a woman.

Lichun paused, replied, "Alright." Then she placed Gu Chengyu’s clothes on the rack and left the room.