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Gu Yanqi looked helplessly at Wang Jinhe, wishing she wouldn’t embarrass him by exposing his past actions.
“At that time, my brain must have malfunctioned,” Gu Yanqi said with a straight face.
Wang Jinhe burst into laughter, raising an eyebrow at Gu Yanqi, “You don’t have to be so hard on yourself.”
“I’m serious.” If his brain hadn’t malfunctioned back then to say those things, his sister wouldn’t have treated him this way now.
Perhaps now she could even call him “brother.”
Just the thought of it made him want to give himself a good slap.
“Sometimes I feel like giving myself a slap, wondering what on earth was I thinking.”
Wang Jinhe found Gu Yanqi to be quite an interesting person.
“I’ve said what I needed to. I’ll take my leave now.”
“Are you heading back to Xie Family Village?” Gu Yanqi quickly inquired.
Wang Jinhe hesitated for a moment, then nodded, “It should be soon.”
Previously, Su Yu had also discussed this matter with her. Now that the Lu wouldn’t be visiting until after this year’s autumn harvest, there was no need for them to stay in the capital.
She planned to establish more granaries in the other fiefdoms to address the scarcity of grain seeds. With half the population added, more grain seeds were necessary to suffice.
“Will you come back in the future?”
“I will return every year.”
Gu Yanqi was momentarily at a loss for words.
Observing Gu Yanqi’s demeanor, Wang Jinhe raised her eyebrows lightly, “Is there something you want to tell me?”
“It’s nothing.”
Wang Jinhe shrugged, got up, and left.
Gu Yanqi escorted Wang Jinhe out, standing at the doorway watching her depart, a sense of melancholy in his eyes.
“Young Master, you don’t need to worry too much. Who knows, your relationship with Miss might improve over time.”
Upon hearing this, Gu Yanqi chuckled and shook his head. Wang Jinhe was a perceptive individual.
In reality, he referred to Wang Jinhe as the Miss of the Gu family, but it was more of a formality. After all, even his aunt wouldn’t return to the Gu family, so why would she?
But the current arrangement suited him well. Seeing her every year was sufficient, and he had no further expectations.
Witnessing Gu Yanqi’s demeanor, the guards felt a sense of helplessness, knowing they couldn’t intervene in his personal matters.
When Wang Jinhe arrived at the Gu family, Gu Sheng was already aware.
Returning hastily from outside, Gu Sheng coincidentally encountered Wang Jinhe leaving.
Seeing Gu Sheng approaching, Wang Jinhe’s eyes were filled with disgust.
“What does this person want?”
Wang Jinhe, with a cold expression hinting at Qiu Yi, departed. As Gu Sheng approached, Qiu Yi stepped in front of Wang Jinhe, coldly staring at Gu Sheng. “What do you want?”
“I have something to discuss with the Princess.”
After glancing at Gu Sheng, Wang Jinhe walked away from him. “Qiu Yi, let’s go back.”
Qiu Yi followed Wang Jinhe as they left. Gu Sheng once again stood in front of Wang Jinhe. “I have something to tell you.”
Wang Jinhe, with a cold demeanor, glanced at him. “There’s nothing for us to discuss.”
“Princess, are you really so heartless?” Gu Sheng couldn’t help feeling somewhat embarrassed.
He truly relied on his status, showing a lack of respect for his own father.
“That’s a good point. Isn’t that what what I’ve learned from you? If we talk about being heartless, who can match up to you, Gu Sheng? Do you dream at night Madam Lady Gu rising from hell to seek revenge on you?”
“Even resorting to violence against your own wife for the sake of an adopted daughter, the head of the Gu family truly makes me reconsider.”
Gu Sheng’s expression shifted and he stared intently at Wang Jinhe. “What do you really know?”
“I know far more than you think,” Wang Jinhe said with a sly smile.
“And those deceased elders from the Gu family, are they really unrelated to you?”
“You…”
“Gu Sheng, you need to recognize your position and stop meddling in irrelevant matters.”
“Also, a reminder for you: don’t hold yourself in such high regard. Remember, it was decreed by the Emperor that our ties were severed. Can you defy such an imperial decree?” Wang Jinhe pondered that if Gu Sheng continued pestering her in the future, she would make sure he faced consequences.
Gu Sheng found himself unable to utter a single word when confronted.
However, the resources and connections in Wang Jinhe’s possession were precisely what he desired; he couldn’t simply let it go.
“I know what your intentions are—coveting what I have in my hands, wanting it for yourself, right? Do you think you can just take what’s mine? What makes you think you’re worthy of having what I possess?” Wang Jinhe remarked disdainfully.
“Don’t forget, aside from being a county princess I am still the Princess Consort.”
“Let’s hope this is the last time the head of the Gu family obstructs the path of the Princess Consort. Qiu Yi, let’s go.” With that, she left without sparing Gu Sheng another glance.
Gu Sheng instinctively clenched his fists, his expression dark and displeased.
Wang Jinhe had decisively given him two slaps on the face.
Watching Wang Jinhe leave with a grim expression, his face twisted in anger.
“Damn it.”
Qiu Yi, discontent, followed Wang Jinhe, saying, “This Gu Sheng is truly despicable.”
“Just insignificant people, no need to dwell on it too much,” Wang Jinhe chuckled and shook her head.
She kept her thoughts simple now, not expecting to see Gu Sheng too frequently each year. What happens next will depend on Gu Sheng himself.
“That’s true. Should I inform the Master about this matter?”
“No need.”
“Understood.”
Unwilling to sever ties with Wang Jinhe and unwilling to relinquish what she held, Gu Sheng sought out Gu Yanqi.
Seeing Gu Sheng at the study door, Gu Yanqi was not surprised.
As Gu Sheng looked at Gu Yanqi, who appeared indifferent to his presence, his expression soured.
“What’s this? Can’t even address your own father?”
“I’ve never had a father who caused the death of my mother, nor would I dare to,” Gu Yanqi retorted mockingly.
“Gu Yanqi, can a son say such things?” Gu Sheng was infuriated.
“No need for all this talk. Why are you looking for me? Get to the point,” Gu Yanqi replied impatiently.
He had no desire to exchange more than necessary words with Gu Sheng.
Unable to get a rise out of Gu Yanqi, Gu Sheng felt helpless.
“Your relationship with Wang Jinhe is good?”
“Where did you see any indication of a good relationship between us?” Gu Yanqi retorted coldly, furrowing his brow.
“Gu Yanqi, let’s have a proper conversation. Spare me the runaround,” Gu Sheng said, growing impatient.
After sizing up Gu Sheng, Gu Yanqi chuckled, “You’re after what the Princess Consort holds, aren’t you? Quite delusional.”
“I refuse to believe you’re not interested.”
“I genuinely have no interest. If it’s not mine, why would I want it?” Gu Yanqi shook his head.
Why would he cause trouble for himself?
How could he engage in actions that would harm his relationship with the Princess?
“You…”
“Don’t even think about coveting what she possesses. Not even His Highness, let alone the Emperor, would allow you to succeed,” Gu Yanqi mocked Gu Sheng.
“It’s essential to have self-awareness and avoid actions that lead to regret.”