Chapter 271: Sister-in-Law

Mother Gu paused in her steps, looking the rough and sturdy man up and down. After confirming she didn’t recognize him, she turned to walk to the left.

The man moved to block her path on the left.

Mother Gu stepped back and shifted to the right, but the man again blocked her on the right.

Holding back for a moment, Mother Gu couldn’t suppress her fiery temper in the end. Her eyes burned with anger as she directly rebuked, “The road is so wide, are you deliberately picking a fight? Your eyes are on your face just to bully the elderly, weak, and women?”

Qin Yang’s eyes widened slightly, surprised that the little woman before him had such a bad temper!

She was nothing more than a brash and uncouth village woman.

In his impression, the kind of woman who could leave Gu Qingsong constantly thinking about her should be someone with a beautiful appearance, a gentle temperament like flowing water, and a charming allure.

This woman, however, had a face shaped like a jade plate, fair skin, and several deep wrinkles at the corners of her eyes. Her features revealed that she must have been a beauty in her youth, but the ravages of time had left her indistinguishable from the crowd. Only with close attention could one appreciate the unique charm that came with her age. She was not as strikingly beautiful at first glance as Lady Liu.

Her figure, though slim, lacked the alluring curves of Lady Liu. Dressed in plain, simple clothes, she not only lacked any sense of adornment but could also be described as entirely unconcerned with appearances. In a crowd, she was someone you would barely notice at a glance.

Qin Yang scrutinized her from head to toe but couldn’t find anything exceptional about her that would justify why Gu Qingsong had remained faithful to her for so many years.

Someone of Gu Qingsong’s status and position, even with his original wife and children by his side, and even if his wife were a peerless beauty, would not be hindered from having a harem full of concubines.

On this trip, Qin Yang was fully confident. As long as he told her that Gu Qingsong was still alive, though married to someone else, it was against his will and due to deceit, she would likely forgive Gu Qingsong without much hesitation.

“Sister-in-law, my name is Qin Yang. I serve under Prince Changxing of Xiliang. Prince Changxing is your husband, Gu Qingsong.”

Mother Gu was stunned.

Gu Qingsong…

It had been many years since anyone had mentioned that name. Hearing it suddenly from the mouth of a stranger gave her a sense of disorientation.

The name, once sealed deep within her memories, was now unearthed, resurfacing with all the vividness and intensity it once held.

However, in just a moment, Mother Gu composed herself, and with a stern face, she said, “Don’t think you can fool me. If he were still alive and thriving in Xiliang, he would’ve come to fetch us long ago. Why would he wait until today?”

Mother Gu hadn’t forgotten Gu Huaizhi’s warnings. The situation in the capital was tense, and with his unique status, there was always the fear that someone might target his vulnerabilities.

Family was precisely Gu Huaizhi’s weakness.

Mother Gu was highly vigilant and resolute in not becoming a burden to Gu Huaizhi.

“Sister-in-law, the prince came looking for you before, but he mistakenly thought you had passed away. Later, he fell victim to Lady Liu’s schemes and believed she was carrying his child, leaving him no choice but to marry her.”

“Rest assured, he has never touched another woman. He has always been thinking about you and even sent me to search for you in Great Zhou.

Back then, I was momentarily foolish and fell into Lady Liu’s trap. Under her coercion and threats, I conspired with her and deceived the prince into believing that you were truly dead.”

“This time, after Gu Huaizhi went to Xiliang and reunited with his father, the lies unraveled on their own. I confessed my guilt to the prince and have come to Great Zhou specifically to apologize to you and explain everything.”

Qin Yang glanced at the people around them and lowered his voice, saying, “I wonder if Sister-in-law could step aside with me. Let’s find an inn where I can explain everything to you in detail.”

Ha!

She knew it—this man was a liar!

He knew her son was in Xiliang and deliberately made up lies to deceive her.

If she followed him and left the protection of the hidden guards, this man would undoubtedly kidnap her.

“Am I really your sister-in-law?” Mother Gu asked uncertainly.

Seeing her skeptical expression, Qin Yang hastily nodded, almost tripping over his words. “Yes, you are.”

“Very well.” Mother Gu pointed toward the door. “Get out through there.”