Chapter 30

Their frightened and nervous gaze at each other was rather unexpected, considering that the damaged item was the treasured LiWang bow.

However, Gu Ying was the mistress of Twilight Snow Studio, so she had the final say.

The LiWang bow affair could cause some turmoil in the manor, at most dismissing some maids, but if it spread to the Marquis Manor, it would become a sensational incident that rocked Bianjing.

Ming Yue bit her lip. When she looked at the other person again, her eyes were filled with worry that the matter might leak out, and she did not dare to stir up more trouble.

Today's scheme was meant to sow discord between Yanzhi and Gu Ying, mistress and servant, so it would be easier for Ming Yue and Yanzhi to get close to Gu Ying in the future.

Just as the staged drama ended, the sky started to light up as dawn approached.

Word was that royal retinues had set out ahead, and several families had already followed. In the time it takes an incense stick to burn, it would be the turn of the Dongping Earl Manor’s carriages to depart.

Gu Ying had just carried the LiWang bow into her room when she heard people from Zhe Yu Residence, where her eldest uncle lived, urging them to leave the manor.

She pursed her lips and gazed steadily at the LiWang bow, her fingertips stroking the severed bowstring, feeling somewhat disappointed and worried.

"Miss, it's time for us to set out," Ming Yue called from outside.

Gu Ying responded lightly. She gritted her teeth, "Coming." Then she walked out of the room.

...

The winter hunt was extremely grand.

Every year after heavy snowfall in the Eastern Li capital, such an event would be held, with invitations sent to all the royal sons and daughters, children of distinguished families, and young masters and ladies of prominent households, to go hunting in Nanhai Hunting Ground.

Not only would royalty and imperial clan members come, even the Empress and the Emperor's favored consort, Empress Wan, would be there.

The winter hunt lasted three days. Not only were there hunting competitions, there were also hot springs, snow viewing, gatherings around the stove for drinking and poetry recitals, barbecue feasts, and other elegant events.

Nanhai Hunting Ground was remotely located and spanned a vast area. On one side were steep cliffs that touched the clouds, and the other three sides were guarded by heavy soldiers all year round.

After Gu Ying exited the manor gates, she saw Gu Jiajing, who was mentally absent and physically frail, being supported by Mrs. Liu as they boarded a carriage. Gu Shuang, Gu Wan, Gu Ming and others all had people looking after them.

Only she was alone, without mother or father.

She stood solitary in the snow, wrapped in a thick fox fur coat, waiting for the departure of the main branch’s procession before she could get on a carriage.

"Sister, my carriage broke down. May I ride with you?" Gu Shuang's clear voice rang out behind her.

Gu Ying was startled. She turned and saw Gu Shuang's radiant smile.

Gu Shuang walked up actively and looped her arm around Gu Ying's. She pursed her lips, "Let's get on the carriage. It’s too cold out here. Don’t freeze into a popsicle later."

Gu Ying's heart warmed, like a trickle of spring water flowing over her heart. "Aren't you afraid Aunt Liu will see?"

"It's fine. A carriage at home was damaged. Gu Wan didn't want to travel with me, so I might as well ride with Sister."

The two of them boarded the carriage, and only the howling wind and snow could be heard.

The carriages ahead started moving, and Gu Ying's carriage also began swaying.

After a moment of silence in the carriage, Gu Shuang lifted the curtains and didn't see the two maids, Ming Yue and Yanzhi. They were probably in a carriage with her own maids.

Gu Shuang heaved a sigh of relief. After all, she was still a young girl, unable to conceal some things no matter how natural she acted.

Gu Ying said calmly, "Go ahead, little sister."

Gu Shuang took out that prescription and handed it to Gu Ying. "This is the prescription the doctor wrote based on the medicine dregs Sister gave me. The doctor said this prescription is indeed for treating leg problems, and can invigorate the blood and dissipate blood stasis. The ingredients and dosages are all correct."

Gu Ying looked at the prescription, her eyes turning cold. Since there was nothing wrong with the medicine, then it must have been poisoned. Afraid that flaws could be found from the prescription, the only option was to poison the medicine directly.

Gu Shuang lifted her eyes anxiously, staring at Gu Ying. "Sister, just what are you investigating?"

Gu Ying pulled up the corner of her mouth. "Investigating my brother's leg problems."

Gu Shuang still did not understand. Gu Ning had been sick for so many years. Who in the manor would harm a 10-year-old boy?

It couldn't be Aunt Liu, right?

What was Aunt Liu after?

Was it the generous fortune and career of the second branch?

Gu Ying opened the hand warmer, took out the flint and burned the prescription, throwing it into the hand warmer. Her expression was cold as she said, "You're still young and may not understand the sinister nature of the human heart. Take your mother, Aunt Zhao, for example. Over the years, she has been deeply favored by Eldest Uncle, but other than you, she hasn't given birth to any children. Little sister, have you ever wondered why?" Gu Shuang pursed her lips, her small face deathly pale. She pondered for a long time before parting her lips slightly. "Sister, why are you helping my mother?"

Gu Ying grasped her little hand. With utmost sincerity, she smiled, "Little sister, because we are in the same boat. When my brother was four, he had no illness and his legs were healthy. He could run and jump. But at five, he accidentally fell off an artificial hill, and since then, the worse his legs became as doctors treated him. Now he can't stand at all. Do you think I'm overthinking this, or is someone's heart too cruel?"

Gu Shuang felt a chill down her spine. She shook her shoulders and looked up at Gu Ying. "So someone wants to harm Brother Gu Ning, and someone wants to harm my mother too... That person is..."

"That's enough, little sister," Gu Ying said, grasping her small hand tightly. "It's best if only you, me, heaven and earth know these matters."

"But—"

"Don't be impatient," Gu Ying said with a faint smile on her lips. "Evil will be met with retribution in the end. Sister will make sure the villain gets their just desserts."

She left room for interpretation, but those with discernment knew who the villain was.

Gu Shuang was deeply shocked. She leaned numbly against the carriage, struggling to calm herself.

After a long while, she moved her eyes and firmly clasped Gu Ying's fingers. "Sister, for my mother and the child in her belly, I...I want to ask you to protect them. I...although young, am also willing to stand with Sister to protect them, Gu Ning, and..."

Gu Ying smiled gently and hooked her finger around Gu Shuang's. "Alright."

...

After a bumpy journey, the carriage finally stopped when night was falling.

Nanhai Hunting Ground was at the northernmost edge of the Eastern Li Kingdom's capital, bordering the vast grasslands of the northern nomadic tribes. Located by the mountains and waters, it had excellent fengshui. In winter, the towering trees were covered in silver, like a fairyland.

From the imperial convoy to the endless carriages and horses behind, the Dongping Earl Manor was merely an inconspicuous member among the capital's nobility.

The further north they went, the colder it became.

Gu Ying gathered her fox fur cloak tightly. Inside the carriage, the coal fire was nearly extinguished.

Outside, the sound of patrolling soldiers could be heard from time to time. From morning to evening, she had already grown accustomed to it.

"Sister, are you cold?" Gu Shuang grasped Gu Ying's hand. "Let me get someone to prepare two hot water bottles, alright?"

The last glow of the coal brazier went out, and the not-too-big, not-too-small carriage instantly lost all warmth.

Gu Ying sniffed her reddened nose and smiled. "No need. Let's endure a while longer. The hunting ground is almost here."

With carriages both ahead and behind, stopping now would cause trouble for those behind them.

They might even offend the impatient masters of some families.

In such a grand occasion, it was best to keep a low profile, rather than owe anyone favors. It was better to endure a while longer until they reached the campsite of the hunting grounds to properly warm up.