Chapter 257: You Are Huaizhi?

Gu Qingsong furrowed his brows. The son of the Regent of Great Zhou?

Hadn’t Ji Xuan vowed never to marry in his lifetime?

Could it be that he had an illegitimate son?

Gu Qingsong had sent people to investigate Su Wan’s background, but no news had come back yet, so he wasn’t fully clear on her situation.

One thing, however, was certain: Su Wan, as the daughter of the Empress, had no grievances or conflicts with him that would warrant someone impersonating him for ulterior motives.

From their last meeting, Gu Qingsong had discerned Su Wan’s character, that she was not someone of great evil or treachery.

If Su Wan harbored ill intentions, she would not be treating Gu Yunzhen’s illness today.

Lady Liu suddenly thought of something and cried out in alarm, “Zhen’er! My Zhen’er!”

She abruptly broke free from Chun Rui’s support and, pale-faced, ran into the courtyard.

“Zhen’er! Zhen’er!”

Realizing that Xu Chou had been exposed as an imposter and that Gu Huaizhi had discovered his own identity yet still came to save Gu Yunzhen, Lady Liu couldn’t help but suspect they might harm Gu Yunzhen!

Lady Liu burst into the inner room in a panic, just as Su Wan was tidying up her medical kit, preparing to leave.

Suddenly, Lady Liu pulled a dagger from her sleeve and charged toward Gu Huaizhi. She aimed to grab Gu Huaizhi’s hand and use the dagger to stab Gu Yunzhen!

Her plan was simple: when Gu Qingsong arrived, she could accuse Gu Huaizhi of attempting to kill Gu Yunzhen.

As for why Gu Huaizhi and Gu Qingsong’s first wife were still alive, Lady Liu would simply claim ignorance, insisting she had been deceived by those sent to investigate.

As long as she insisted that Gu Huaizhi had tried to kill Gu Yunzhen, Gu Qingsong’s deep affection for Gu Yunzhen would ensure that he wouldn’t investigate her deception about the supposed deaths of his first wife and child too thoroughly.

“Ah-“

Su Wan kicked Lady Liu to the ground, swiftly pinning her arm and twisting it behind her back. She snatched the dagger from Lady Liu’s hand, let its blade graze her neck, and then drove it deep into the crevice between the green bricks.

Lady Liu felt a sharp pain on her neck and saw the cold gleam of the dagger flash past. Terrified, her eyes rolled back, and she nearly lost control of herself.

The sound of chaotic footsteps approached, and a group of people surged into the room.

Gu Qingsong took in the scene before him, his expression darkening coldly.

“Your Highness, is this how your esteemed household treats a benefactor who saved a life, by repaying kindness with enmity?”

Su Wan twisted Lady Liu’s arm with force. With a sharp “crack,” she dislocated it, her eyes flashing with a chilling light. “This is just a warning. Try touching my man again, and see what happens!”

Lady Liu howled in pain, teetering on the edge of unconsciousness.

Su Wan released Lady Liu and stepped beside Gu Huaizhi. Only then did she look directly at Gu Qingsong. She noticed the astonishment in his eyes as he stared at Gu Huaizhi’s face, his expression growing increasingly complex.

After regaining her senses, Lady Liu tried to complain to Gu Qingsong. However, upon seeing the scene before her, her heart skipped a beat. She sobbed, “Your Highness, I didn’t do it! Divine Doctor Su saved Zhen’er’s life—how could I repay kindness with enmity? But it’s Divine Doctor Su who brought people and made such a commotion at the Prince’s residence. I had no choice but to worry she might mean harm to Zhen’er.”

As if struck by a sudden realization, Lady Liu’s voice turned sharp. “Your Highness, I understand now! I know what they intended by bringing someone to impersonate you! They wanted to harm Zhen’er, and then have the imposter take your place and brush the matter aside. Their true goal is to sow discord between us as husband and wife!”

Gu Huaizhi let out a light laugh, laced with sarcasm. “The Princess Consort seems overly worried. Back then, His Highness was willing to abandon his wife and child for you. Clearly, your bond is as unshakable as gold. How could anyone possibly sow discord between the two of you?”

As soon as those words left his mouth, Gu Qingsong’s expression shifted. With disbelief, he said, “You… you’re Huaizhi?”