"Miss Gu, my master says you should thank him in person."
Gu Qianying was slightly taken aback.
Bai Qi stepped aside, "Please."
The people of the Gu mansion had all heard the conversation between Bai Qi and Gu Qianying.
The First Madam, sensing something more in Bai Qi's words, quickly stepped forward and gently squeezed Gu Qianying's arm, "Why are you still standing there foolishly? Hurry up and go."
If her daughter could win the favor of the Ninth Imperial Uncle and receive his protection, then she, as a mother, would have peace for the rest of her life.
Gu Kun watched from the side, feeling regretful. How wonderful it would be if it were his second daughter, Mingyue, who caught the Ninth Imperial Uncle's eye.
The other three sisters, Gu Mingyue, Gu Ziran, and Gu Yumei, each had their own thoughts.
Gu Mingyue clutched her handkerchief, outwardly saying pleasant words, "Sister, hurry and go. Don't keep the Ninth Imperial Uncle waiting."
That damned slut, only knows how to seduce men.
Gu Ziran said the same thing as Gu Mingyue, "Yes, Eldest Sister, hurry and go. We're not in a hurry. We'll wait for you."
She was genuinely happy for Gu Qianying. If Gu Qianying were to rely on the Ninth Imperial Uncle in the future, then she and her mother would have to make other plans for her younger brother.
Gu Yumei said nothing, but her jealousy and hatred could no longer be concealed.
Gu Qianying glanced at the other three sisters of the Gu family, taking in the expressions on their faces. She then followed Bai Qi towards the carriage where Nangong Mo was seated.
Before she could get close, she was struck by a clear, cold voice from within.
"Get up."
Gu Qianying froze.
Get up?
Her?
Still in a daze, she heard him say again, "This king has no patience."
Gu Qianying remained standing still.
It seemed improper for an unmarried young lady like herself to be in the same carriage as a man.
The curtain was lifted.
A stunningly beautiful face appeared before her.
"Bai Qi!"
A cold command was issued, and Bai Qi immediately understood. He raised his hand towards the air.
Over a dozen hidden guards appeared simultaneously, surrounding Gu Qianying. Then, they all turned their backs, their expressions uniform.
Gu Qianying: "..."
It had to be said that the Ninth Imperial Uncle, Nangong Mo, acted as he was: arrogant and domineering.
Gu Qianying was invited into the carriage. Upon entering, she sat on the outermost side, her gaze fixed on her nose, and her nose on her heart, remaining silent, waiting for Nangong Mo to speak.
"Sit over here!"
Nangong Mo's tone was cold and arrogant.
Gu Qianying was stunned.
In her past life, she clearly remembered that the Ninth Imperial Uncle, Nangong Mo, disliked women approaching him. Yet now, not only was she sitting in the same carriage with him, but Nangong Mo was also asking her to move closer?
This... Gu Qianying was a bit at a loss, unsure how to react.
Should she obey the command and move closer? Or should she remain seated and feign ignorance?
Just as Gu Qianying was unsure what to do, the carriage suddenly jolted. Bai Qi, who was guarding the outside of the carriage, shouted, "Bold rogue, how dare you attack your master! Take his life!"
Crackling sounds.
The carriage swayed more violently.
Before Gu Qianying could react, her body suddenly tilted.
A magnificent white robe blocked her vision. A hand with well-defined bones wrapped around her waist, pulling her down slightly. Her eyes met Nangong Mo's exceptionally beautiful face. As their eyes locked, everything around them seemed to freeze.
Gu Qianying was completely stunned.
She was... being held by the Ninth Imperial Uncle?
"Your Highness, this humble woman..." Gu Qianying tried to push Nangong Mo away, but she found she couldn't.
"There are assassins outside. Do not be afraid."
Gu Qianying's body tensed, her cheeks flushing slightly.
"Your Highness, men and women should not touch. Please release this humble woman." Gu Qianying was still struggling.
She possessed martial arts skills and was not afraid of assassins, but as an unmarried young lady, being held by a man could ruin her reputation if it spread.
Nangong Mo seemed to have understood Gu Qianying's thoughts. As he released her, he spoke indifferently, "Everyone outside is my subordinate. They will not gossip."
Nangong Mo meant that she didn't need to worry about her reputation; as long as he was there, no one would dare to spread rumors.
Outside.
Bai Qi held his saber, his arms crossed, watching two hidden guards sparring, while still shouting, "Bold rogue..." and similar phrases.
The remaining hidden guards formed a tight cordon around the carriage, making it impossible for anyone outside to see what was happening inside.
At this moment, the people of the Gu mansion, led by Gu Kun, had already been invited into the palace by eunuchs.
Before this, Bai Qi had sent a hidden guard to deliver a message: "The master has ordered that you do not need to wait for the Eldest Miss Gu. Eldest Miss Gu will accompany our master into the palace."
Upon hearing this, some of the Gu family members rejoiced, while others worried.
Gu Mingyue's resentment towards Gu Qianying intensified.
To travel with the Prince? On what grounds! Why should a fool receive such good treatment!
Despite her resentment, she did not show it on her face. Instead, she curtsied to the First Madam, "Congratulations, First Madam. Eldest Sister's good fortune has arrived."
Gu Ziran and Gu Yumei followed Gu Mingyue and curtsied to the First Madam together.
The First Madam was very pleased, but she dared not relax her demeanor, "What nonsense are you speaking? Your grandfather's triumphant return is the joyous occasion."
Her daughter was not yet married and must not give anyone cause for gossip.
Beside them, the maid Lu Zhu was oblivious, not understanding what the young ladies and the First Madam were talking about.
Gu Kun had not had high expectations for Gu Qianying before. Now, seeing Gu Qianying's prolonged absence, he could not help but re-evaluate his eldest daughter.
Gu Qianying, however, was unaware of what was happening at the Gu mansion.
At this moment, Gu Qianying deliberately sat near the carriage door, clinging tightly to the window to prevent herself from falling out.
The sounds of fighting outside continued. She had to wait until things calmed down before she could leave.
Having returned from rebirth, although her martial arts skills were still intact, her current identity and situation made it inadvisable to reveal too much.
After a long while.
Bai Qi lifted the curtain and reported, "Your Highness, all the assassins have been killed and cleaned up. We can now enter the palace."
Being attacked outside the palace gates, Gu Qianying found it somewhat unbelievable. These assassins were too foolish.
However, since the assassins were gone, it was time for her to disembark.
Gu Qianying stepped down from the carriage. Nangong Mo did not stop her.
"Your Highness, I am very grateful for your letting your guard brother serve as my witness today. This humble woman offers her deepest gratitude."
Gu Qianying performed a deep bow to Nangong Mo. As she was halfway through, she heard Bai Qi say, "Miss Gu, your father, Lord Gu, has been summoned into the palace by an eunuch accompanying the Emperor. He said you are permitted to accompany our master into the palace."
After speaking, Bai Qi deliberately moved a stool to a position convenient for Gu Qianying to step on.
Gu Qianying was flustered.
Accompanying Nangong Mo into the palace meant she would be subjected to the death stares of hundreds of princesses and young ladies from other noble families.
To avoid becoming a target, Gu Qianying naturally wanted to decline politely.
"No need. This humble woman accompanied her grandfather into the palace in her childhood and is not unfamiliar with the palace roads."
Gu Qianying's intention was that she could enter the palace on her own.
Bai Qi secretly glanced at Nangong Mo. Seeing that his master remained silent, he added, "Eldest Miss Gu, the palace has many rules. It is likely difficult for Miss Gu to enter the palace alone."
Bai Qi was speaking the truth, and Gu Qianying had also considered it, but she truly did not want to become an enemy in the eyes of many women.
"Bai Qi, escort Miss Gu into the palace."
Nangong Mo's voice was still as clear and cold, his expression as indifferent as ever. It was impossible to discern his true thoughts from his face.
Bai Qi accepted the order, "Yes, Master."
Gu Qianying curtsied to Nangong Mo and followed Bai Qi into the palace.
Watching Gu Qianying's receding back, Nangong Mo's mind conjured the image of a little girl in a blue dress. The memories of the past overlapped with the disappearing figure.
After a long moment, the corners of his lips curved upward.
Qianying, I'm back!