“……”
“This humble subject does not dislike Ninth Imperial Uncle.”
The words "like" were too difficult for Gu Qianying to utter, so she chose a compromise.
She figured Nangong Mo would understand her meaning.
Currently, her father, Gu Kun, had already been punished, Madam Meng was dead, and although Meng Mingyue was still alive, she could no longer gain a foothold in the Gu manor.
Next, the second act of her plan was about to begin.
Before that, how could she let Nangong Mo, this "potential support," interfere with her plan?
Just as Gu Qianying was contemplating how to get rid of Nangong Mo without offending him, Nangong Mo spoke indifferently, "Not disliking means not liking?"
“……”
Gu Qianying looked at Nangong Mo, her lips twitching.
Was his comprehension ability that poor?
“Not disliking is not the same as not liking. Ninth Imperial Uncle, you have misunderstood.”
Nangong Mo put on a knowing expression, "In that case, this prince must go to Old General Gu and lodge a complaint, saying that this prince's future consort, the eldest daughter of the Gu manor, has bullied this prince and dislikes this prince. I imagine Old General Gu, burdened by household trivialities, will have to issue a symbolic reprimand, even if he doesn't wish to attend to this prince, due to my status.”
As Nangong Mo turned his wheelchair to leave, a figure suddenly stopped him. “This humble subject likes Ninth Imperial Uncle very much!” Gu Qianying said through gritted teeth, wishing she could slap Nangong Mo unconscious at that moment.
When had the usually aloof and proud Nangong Mo become so rogue?
“Mm, this prince knew you liked this prince.”
“……”
Gu Qianying was amused by Nangong Mo’s words.
She had never met such a narcissistic person!
“It’s getting late. This humble subject needs to visit Grandfather. Ninth Imperial Uncle, please return?”
The plain noodles were made, and she had said the words she didn't want to say. Gu Qianying wanted to hurry him away.
She felt that if Nangong Mo stayed any longer, she would go mad!
“Hmm? Going to see your grandfather, and you also said you wanted to sneak out to watch a play?”
“This humble subject does not understand what Ninth Imperial Uncle is saying.” Gu Qianying sidestepped Nangong Mo and opened the door.
“The second daughter of the Gu manor, Gu Mingyue, has gone mad and assaulted someone before fleeing. On the surface, this incident appears flawless. However, upon deeper consideration, this prince surmises that Gu Mingyue must have been driven mad by someone else. How could someone who wished for her own mother’s death become insane due to temporary distress and melancholy caused by the Gu family?”
Nangong Mo looked at Gu Qianying, his voice faint, “If one were to say she was faking it, it is not impossible. Given her past cunning, she would not have been this intelligent. Thus, analyzing this, her ‘madness’ must have been aided by someone else.
However, given the current situation in the manor, everyone is focused on self-preservation. Who would expose themselves and stir up this trouble? This prince has thought about it, and the ‘helper’ can only be you.
Of course, your purpose is not to assist her, but to lay the groundwork for another good show. My dear consort, am I correct?”
Nangong Mo’s words made Gu Qianying pause. Her gaze fell upon Nangong Mo, and she met his eyes, their gazes colliding in mid-air.
Nangong Mo's eyes gradually softened with affection, but Gu Qianying's were exceptionally cold.
What a terrifying person, to have guessed her thoughts so accurately!
She recalled her past life, and thankfully, in both her past and present lives, Nangong Mo was not her enemy. Otherwise, even with two lifetimes, she would not have been able to exact her revenge.
After opening the door, Gu Qianying called Lu Zhu in, “Go, brew a fresh cup of good tea for His Royal Highness the Ninth Prince, and bring some delicious snacks.”
Lu Zhu glanced at Gu Qianying, then quietly peeked at Nangong Mo, and quickly said, “Yes, Miss.”
A moment later, Lu Zhu brought the tea and fine snacks, and was then dismissed by Gu Qianying.
When only Gu Qianying and Nangong Mo were left in the room, Gu Qianying brought the tea to Nangong Mo and offered it with both hands, “Is Ninth Imperial Uncle willing to conspire with this humble subject?”
“This prince is unwilling,” Nangong Mo said, teasing Gu Qianying.
Gu Qianying was immediately embarrassed. With Nangong Mo’s tone, she didn’t know how to proceed!
If she didn't drag him into this now, she feared that one day she would be betrayed by this narcissistic and shameless fellow.
Thus, Gu Qianying braced herself and continued, “Ninth Imperial Uncle, although you are high and mighty, your status is ultimately not as noble as the Crown Prince. Crown Prince Nan Rongqi is the one who will inherit the throne in the future. This humble subject heard that a few days ago, you were constantly causing trouble for the Crown Prince. In the future, if he ascends the throne, given his vengeful nature, he will surely trouble you. Therefore, to prevent him from harming you in the future, you should curb his arrogance before he ascends the throne. It would be best if you replaced him, to avoid being harmed by him later.”
Gu Qianying spoke while observing Nangong Mo’s expression. Although her words were treasonous, she was treading on thin ice and could only break the boat to survive.
Just as Gu Qianying thought Nangong Mo would have her dragged out and beheaded for "treason," Nangong Mo spoke coldly, “How do you know his nature is vengeful? Are you very familiar with him, and have a good relationship?”
“Hmm? This humble subject…”
Gu Qianying was slightly stunned, not reacting immediately.
“Are you comparing this prince to him, finding this prince’s status less noble than his?”
Nangong Mo’s face turned ashen.
“……”
“So, you wish to be his Crown Princess?”
Gu Qianying’s teeth ached.
She realized that Nangong Mo’s focus was always on something else, and he had misinterpreted her intentions!
“Ninth Imperial Uncle, what this humble subject meant was…”
“They’re here, push this prince out!”
Nangong Mo called for his guards and had them push him out.
As soon as he stepped outside, Nangong Mo raised his hand, signaling the guards to stop. Facing away from Gu Qianying, he said coldly, “You have angered this prince, and this prince is very angry. Therefore, for the next few days, you must stay by this prince’s side without leaving.”
“……”
The next day.
Chunxiang Tower.
In the Jia-class private room.
Bright and vibrant colorful dresses were scattered on the floor.
The famous courtesans, with their bare shoulders exposed, lay slumped on the couch, sobbing softly.
“Please, Young Master Nan, spare us!”
“Yes, please, Young Master… spare us, we…”
Among them, two girls crying for mercy had their bodies torn open, their wounds bloody and mangled. They had fainted several times, only to be tormented again.
At this moment, the man who had been playing with others on the couch finally spoke after finishing, “Useless whores, such a short time, is that all?”
Saying this, the man discarded the woman in his arms, bent down from the couch, and approached the other women, “It is your fortune to be favored by this prince. Yet, you are crying. Do you all wish to die!”