Chapter 238: Gu Huaizhi’s Revenge on Jiu Yu

The ministers who originally had grievances against Gu Huaizhi fell silent the moment they heard the name “Yu City.” All of them widened their eyes in astonishment, unable to discern whether Gu Huaizhi was helping Jiu Yu or condemning him to an even worse fate.

Yu City was effectively a city of death, plagued by miasma and toxic gases that ran rampant. A single touch could be fatal.

Anyone inside who wished to leave had to pass through the Poisonous Forest—an impossible feat, as no one dared to attempt it.

Likewise, no one from the outside dared to enter.

The ministers exchanged uneasy glances, finally recalling one crucial fact: Qu Yuanxiao had sought Su Wan’s life. And who was the man standing before them? Su Wan’s husband. This was clearly his way of avenging her.

Qi Min frowned, unable to understand what Gu Huaizhi was thinking. Was he sending Jiu Yu to his death?

Jiu Yu’s heart stirred, and he looked at Gu Huaizhi in astonishment.

Was this a way to save him?

To others, Yu City was a hellish place, but for someone skilled in medicine, it posed no real threat to him at all.

Gu Huaizhi’s efforts to save him were truly well-intentioned.

Given the actions of his parents, the ministers were determined to see him dead. Even if the Empress spared his life, he would still face house arrest, losing his freedom for the rest of his days. By sending him to Yu City, it silenced the ministers while granting him freedom.

Qi Min asked, “Does anyone have any objections?”

None of the ministers raised any objections; some even began to pity Jiu Yu. If he succumbed to the miasma and died from illness, it would be considered a merciful fate. Should he inhale the toxic gases, his body would rot away, leading to a gruesome death. 

Either way, it seemed impossible to escape death.

Qi Min charged Qu Yuanxiao with the crime of treason, and the Qu family’s nine generations had long been executed. Jiu Yu and Jiu Ge had already been removed from the royal genealogy and demoted to commoners when Wei Xinglu was captured. Thus, this time, they were merely exiled to Yu City.

Jiu Yu kowtowed to express his gratitude for the imperial grace.

The imperial guards escorted Jiu Yu away.

As he left, Jiu Yu glanced at Gu Huaizhi, silently pleading for him to temporarily take care of Jiu Ge.

Gu Huaizhi nodded in acknowledgment.

Jiu Yu’s heart was filled with gratitude. As he stepped out of the main hall, the cold wind brushed against his face, and he revealed a relieved smile. From this day forward, it would be like a phoenix rising from the ashes. A new life awaited him.

Gu Huaizhi stood outside the hall, watching as the cold wind swept away the gloom surrounding the young man. Jiu Yu’s lean figure stood tall and straight, shedding the lifelessness from before and brimming with newfound vitality.

Turning his head, Gu Huaizhi noticed tiny sprouts of green budding on the withered branches. Winter was nearing its end, and the season of renewal, spring, was on the horizon.

“Where’s Jiu Yu?” Su Wan hurried over, panting slightly.

Gu Huaizhi’s gaze fell on her. She was wrapped in a thick cloak, the collar lined with white fox fur, making her snow-like skin appear even more radiant. Her nose, reddened by the cold, gave her a charmingly delicate look.

He tapped her nose lightly with his finger and said in a warm tone, “Jiu Yu has been exiled to Yu City. There’s a Poisonous Forest there, make sure to give Jiu Ge a bottle of medicine when you have time. He’ll be departing tomorrow, so have Jiu Ge wait at the city gates.”

Su Wan sighed, feeling that this outcome was acceptable. “The Poisonous Forest won’t be a problem for Jiu Yu. On the contrary, he might even be able to open a small clinic there to make a living.”

Gu Huaizhi took her hand and led her toward the palace gates. “Jiu Yu promised Jiu Ge that he’d return to the Siyi Pavilion before nightfall. You should go and reassure Jiu Ge first, don’t let her be unsettled by any rumors.”

“Alright.” Su Wan leaned against Gu Huaizhi’s arm, her thoughts lingering on the recent palace upheaval. Although the ceremony to crown the Crown Princess had been disrupted, it had still been completed. “I miss our Mother, younger brother, and sister. Let’s return to Great Zhou as soon as possible.”

Her impression of Xiliang was entirely negative; she didn’t like it here.

Gu Huaizhi remained silent. He knew that Su Wan’s wish might not be fulfilled so easily or so soon.