Chapter 15: Luring the Snake Out of Its Hole

Hong’er lagged behind Gu Jiaojiao by a few steps. When no one was paying attention, she threw a sachet under the bed before following her.

…

“Did you manage to do it?” Gu Yunlan asked in a low voice.

Hong’er nodded: “I did everything as you instructed.”

Gu Yunlan took out a pill from her bosom and handed it to Hong’er: “The sachet contains a strong aphrodisiac. Although it takes time to release, you’ve been carrying it for a while. Still, take this pill to clear the effects, so it won’t affect you.”

Hong’er looked terrified: “Eldest Miss, you don’t need to do this. You already saved my mother’s life. I haven’t carried the sachet for too long, so it shouldn’t affect me much. This pill is precious, please take it back.”

“Take it.” Gu Yunlan forced it into her hand: “Even if it doesn’t affect you much, it still has some effect. You took the risk to help me, I’m already very grateful. How could I let you suffer a loss?”

“Then I’ll accept your kindness.” Hong’er took the pill.

“Hong’er, do you want to leave Gu Jiaojiao’s side? If you’re willing, I can take you with me.” Gu Yunlan’s question wasn’t without reason.

Gu Jiaojiao’s two maids, Cui’er was sweet-tongued and resourceful, and Gu Jiaojiao liked her very much. Hong’er was dull and honest, only knowing how to work silently. If it weren’t for the fact that Cui’er needed someone to help her with things she didn’t want to do, Hong’er, who was honest and couldn’t speak, would have been sold by Gu Jiaojiao long ago.

The reason why Gu Yunlan targeted Cui’er this time was, firstly, because the Third Prince, Murong Jinyu, had a good reputation on the surface. Although she didn’t know if it was true, if Cui’er had something happen with him, she would definitely be taken in. Then, Gu Jiaojiao would be so angry that she would die.

Secondly, she had a personal grudge against Cui’er.

When she was a child, one winter was extremely cold, the kind that could freeze people to death. The main courtyard had precious silver thread charcoal burning constantly, but their courtyard didn’t even get the cheapest black charcoal.

She froze and developed a fever, and she was delirious. Yun’er went to beg Wu to call a doctor for her. It happened that Gu Jiaojiao was paying her respects to Wu at the time, and Cui’er suggested that Yun’er walk barefoot on the hot charcoal for a while to entertain the two mistresses before they would agree to Yun’er’s request.

Yun’er agreed for her sake. Her feet were burned, the skin peeled off, and the flesh was exposed. Wu and Gu Jiaojiao laughed heartily, and Cui’er was rewarded with a gold hairpin. But even so, Wu didn’t call a doctor, just saying that they should fend for themselves.

If it hadn’t been for Hong’er secretly sending them fever medicine and burn ointment, both she and her mother would have died that winter.

Vengeance is a dish best served cold. That’s why Gu Yunlan helped Hong’er but wanted to make sure Cui’er wouldn’t have a bone left.

Hong’er hesitated for a moment, then shook her head: “Thank you for your kindness, Eldest Miss, but I won’t follow you.”

“Why?” Gu Yunlan didn’t understand: “Gu Jiaojiao, instigated by Cui’er, beat your mother fifty times, almost killing her. You’re always filial, why don’t you want to leave?”

Hong’er clenched her fists: “Cui’er will definitely be disliked by the second miss after this incident. Then, I will be the only maid by her side.”

She took a step back and knelt in front of Gu Yunlan: “Although Lady Yun doesn’t live well herself, she always takes care of me. I’m stupid, but I know how to be grateful. I’m willing to stay in the residence and be your eyes and ears, Eldest Miss.”

Gu Yunlan didn’t rush to help her up: “Have you thought it through? I’m a married woman, and I won’t be back often. If you follow me, I might not be able to protect you all the time.”

Hong’er’s eyes were firm: “You saved my mother. Even if you asked for my life, I wouldn’t hesitate. I would die for you, Eldest Miss.”

Gu Yunlan solemnly helped her up: “I, Gu Yunlan, am the most protective of my people. Since you’re mine, I’ll protect you.”

Then, she took out a small porcelain bottle from her bosom: “There are three life-saving pills in here. As long as there’s a breath left, take one and you won’t die.”

Hong’er’s eyes turned red: “I, thank you, Eldest Miss.”

Her parents were both slaves, and she was born a slave.

No one had ever treated them like human beings, and no one had ever considered their lives precious.

But the Eldest Miss had taken out such precious medicine to save her, a lowly slave. If her loyalty was out of gratitude before, now she was completely convinced by Gu Yunlan.

“Alright.” Gu Yunlan reached out and touched Hong’er’s head, glancing at the figure in the distance: “In two quarters of an hour, find an excuse to take Gu Jiaojiao back. It’s best to make her look pathetic. Be careful not to make her suspicious and blame you.”

Hong’er straightened her expression: “Yes, Master.”

“When I find a suitable opportunity, I’ll find a way to take your whole family out of the Gu residence.” Gu Yunlan said seriously: “I’ll also give you your indentures. I will never mistreat those who work for me.”

“Yes!” Hong’er was excited.

To regain her freedom, if it had been before, she wouldn’t have believed that Gu Yunlan had the ability to do this. After all, she had been bullied in the residence before. But since Gu Yunlan had returned home after her marriage and turned the entire Gu residence upside down, and Master could only swallow his anger, she knew that Gu Yunlan was no longer the same.

Gu Yunlan nodded: “Go.”

Hong’er bowed and left. Gu Yunlan took a packet of powder from her bosom and ran towards the figure in the distance.

“Ouch!” Gu Yunlan ran with her head down and bumped into the person, falling to the ground.

Murong Jinyu politely helped Gu Yunlan up: “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine.” Gu Yunlan shook her head: “Thank you, sir.”

As soon as she looked up, Murong Jinyu’s eyes lit up.

What a beauty!

Yun’er was from Jiangnan, so she had a gentle and graceful appearance. Gu Xiude, who could be pursued by Wu Huanmei, the daughter of a first-rank official, just because of his looks, must also be handsome.

Gu Yunlan inherited all the best features of both of them.

She had a peach blossom face, fair skin, and beautiful features even without makeup. She had a pure and lovely appearance, but her eyes were slightly upturned, and there was a small peach blossom mole under her eyes, adding a touch of allure.

Her eyebrows were naturally black, and her lips were naturally red. Her lips were slightly pouted, making people want to pick the fragrance.

Murong Jinyu loved to collect beauties, but he had never seen a beauty who made him so infatuated at first sight.

“May I ask your name, Miss?” He looked at Gu Yunlan’s face with infatuation.

Gu Yunlan felt a pang of disgust.

She felt like she was being targeted as prey.

The rumors were true. The Third Prince, who was known for his elegance and virtue, was actually a lecher!

Although she was also a lustful person, she was restrained by her morals. She was different from Murong Jinyu.

Murong Jinyu had dark circles under his eyes and a network of wrinkles, the signs of excessive indulgence.

Not only that, she could also smell the incense Murong Jinyu was using. It contained aphrodisiac ingredients. To use such incense in broad daylight, what kind of good person could he be?

That’s good. Otherwise, she would feel a little guilty for tricking Murong Jinyu.

Her hand moved slightly, and the powder stuck to Murong Jinyu’s body. Her goal was achieved, and she quickly bowed and slipped away.

“Someone.” Murong Jinyu narrowed his eyes, looking at Gu Yunlan’s back: “I didn’t know that Minister Gu had such a stunning daughter. Go and find out who she is.”

“Yes.” The guard immediately obeyed.

Murong Jinyu was smitten with Gu Yunlan at first sight, but he didn’t even ask her name. He felt a strange fire in his heart. He hurried to Gu Jiaojiao’s courtyard. As soon as he entered the inner room, before the person on the bed could speak, he directly hugged her: “Beauty, let me have some fun…”