Chapter 8

It was supposed to be a joyous occasion, but it ended in chaos. When Duke Gu fainted, the entire Gu residence fell into disarray, with no one in charge.

By the time the old Duke came out to take control of the situation, the auspicious time had long passed. Even if Prince Chu wanted to marry Gu Qianxue, the wedding could not proceed.

As for whether Prince Qin Yunchu of Zhao王府 would still marry Gu Qianxue as his principal wife after the scandal of her being pregnant before marriage, it was not within Gu Qiancheng's concern.

Gu Qiancheng had never owed Gu Qianxue anything, and she didn't owe her anything now. Gu Qianxue had taken so much from her; she had to make her bleed a little.

As for the wrath of Zhao王府, she wasn't worried. Zhao王府 would only vent their anger on Duke Gu. What she was worried about was how her grandmother, the highest authority in the Gu residence, would punish her.

She had vented her anger today, but she had also disgraced the Gu family. Her grandparents, who cared about their reputation, wouldn't kill her, but they wouldn't let her off easily either.

Gu Qiancheng took a deep breath, clenched her fists, and walked toward the inner courtyard. No matter what punishment she faced next, she didn't regret it. She, Gu Qiancheng, would never be a weak, pitiful girl who only cried and let others trample on her.

In Gu Qiancheng's memory, the old lady of the Gu residence was not a reasonable person and didn't like her. This trip to confess would likely not end well.

But even if she faced the harshest punishment, she had to go and confess. Although she was stronger than most women, she was ultimately a girl with no martial skills.

She couldn't escape the Gu residence, and even if she did, she couldn't guarantee her safety. As a woman alone outside, without any identification, she would be targeted by human traffickers as soon as she stepped onto the street. Given her appearance, she would definitely be sold to a brothel.

In the face of absolute martial power, no matter how quick her mind was, it was useless. This world never allowed a woman without martial skills to walk alone.

If a woman was confined to the inner courtyard, unable to move an inch, with her food, clothing, and shelter controlled by others, and if she offended the person in charge of the inner courtyard, she wouldn't be far from death.

Gu Qiancheng thought of countless possibilities, but she never thought that her grandmother would refuse to see her.

When Gu Qiancheng requested an audience, the old matriarch of the Gu residence sent out Auntie Zhu to convey her message: "Miss, the old lady has sent a message. Please pack your things and go to Jingci Nunnery outside the city for a while."

"Go to Jingci Nunnery? Is my grandmother sending me away? Now?" Even if Gu Qiancheng hadn't inherited the original owner's memories, she would understand what this meant.

Her grandmother was choosing to sacrifice her. From now on, there would be no Gu Qiancheng in the Gu residence, and no one would care whether she lived or died.

Just after being hurt by her biological father, she was now being sacrificed by her biological grandmother. Even if Gu Qiancheng didn't care much, she couldn't help feeling heartbroken.

"Yes," Auntie Zhu looked at Gu Qiancheng with sympathy. The eldest daughter of the Gu residence, born to the main line, was now worse than a servant.

Gu Qiancheng took a deep breath, suppressing the chill in her heart, and said, "Auntie Zhu, could you please go in and inform her that Qiancheng wants to say goodbye to her grandmother before leaving?"

She had to try. She couldn't bear to be sent away like this. On the mountain, as a weak woman, whether she could survive and return was a problem.

"This..." Auntie Zhu looked hesitant. After Gu Qiancheng's repeated pleading, Auntie Zhu, feeling sorry for her, thought that saying goodbye was a filial act and agreed to go in and speak for her.

Gu Qiancheng stood quietly outside, hoping her grandmother would show some mercy and at least let her see her, giving her a chance to plead her case. But...

Auntie Zhu soon came out with a stern face and coldly said, "Miss, the old lady has heard your request. She is tired and has already rested. There's no need for a farewell."

Hearing this tone, Auntie Zhu must have been scolded inside. Gu Qiancheng gave a self-deprecating smile and bowed to Auntie Zhu, "Thank you, Auntie Zhu. I'm sorry for the trouble."

Sighing, Auntie Zhu saw Gu Qiancheng's state and couldn't bear to be angry. After some thought, she gave a hint, "Miss, the old lady's decision is final. Don't think about it anymore. Go back and pack your things. Bring as much as you can. It's not easy to get what you need on the mountain."

"Thank you, Auntie Zhu. Qiancheng understands," Gu Qiancheng said with a smile. Sadness and pain couldn't change reality, and she quickly composed herself.

Auntie Zhu looked at Gu Qiancheng in surprise, not expecting her to calm down so quickly. Meeting Gu Qiancheng's calm eyes, Auntie Zhu quickly looked away and turned to leave.

As for Gu Qiancheng's injured leg, how she would return, what did it have to do with her?

Who would care about a lady who was about to disappear from the Gu residence forever?

"Human warmth and coldness. Haha..." Gu Qiancheng laughed, dragging her injured leg, and slowly walked back.

Dear grandmother, since you are heartless, I will be unrighteous. If you want to drive me away, there's no door, not even a window. I'm determined to stay in the Gu residence!

Gu Qiancheng's eyes were slightly lowered, her lips slightly curved, her face calm and serene. Even with her left leg slightly injured, she walked with grace and dignity, showing no signs of being abandoned or sacrificed by her family.

A man in black stood under a pear tree. Even though no one could see him, he stood straight, hands behind his back, exuding an extraordinary aura, noble and elegant, with a faint glow surrounding him. Unfortunately, the man deliberately hid his presence, and no one could see his appearance.

The man watched Gu Qiancheng from a distance, his lips slightly curved, softening his stern face.

"Miss Gu is not as dull and weak as rumored. The Gu residence is indeed interesting."

Upon closer inspection, the curve of the man's lips matched Gu Qiancheng's exactly. After watching Gu Qiancheng leave, the man in black also turned and walked toward the outer courtyard. As for the inner courtyard...

Except for the pear blossoms that fell to the ground, no one knew he had been there.