With these questions, Song Chaoyu, seated in the carriage, did not remain idle.
Despite the pouring rain outside, she could still feel the carriage moving in a particular direction. It seemed to be a straight road, with only two turns.
If Song Chaoyu guessed correctly, she was likely heading towards one of the city gates of Haizhou City.
So, was Mu Hansu outside the city?
It made sense; the city was now filled with Mu Changxi's people, and Mu Hansu likely wouldn't dare enter.
But... Song Chaoyu didn't understand why they had captured her.
Thinking this, Song Chaoyu looked up at Gu Rui, "Do you know everything your father has done?"
She observed Gu Rui, who didn't seem like a child raised in a decadent household. Instead, there was a hint of determination in her eyes: "In your heart, what kind of person is Gu Xuezhuo?"
"Shut up! You are not worthy to mention my father!"
Gu Rui glared at Song Chaoyu with hatred, "You and your husband disregard human lives and treat them as nothing! How could my father be such a person? He was indeed somewhat dissolute in his dealings with women. But he would never do something so contrary to human ethics! You directly sentenced him to death in court without further investigation. I will certainly make you understand the consequences of your actions."
"Heh—"
The more she said this, the less Song Chaoyu felt afraid.
Song Chaoyu sneered, "I didn't expect that even his daughter, who lived with him for so many years, doesn't understand Gu Xuezhuo very well! But I still hope you will think carefully. If your father hadn't done something truly unforgivable, why would the Prince come to Haizhou City and deal with him? Don't we know this is not something that benefits us?"
The rain outside lessened slightly, but Song Chaoyu's voice grew louder: "You seem like a learned and polite person, how can you not understand the meaning of this? We came to Haizhou City for the sake of the people. If we harbored your father, it would be the greatest injustice to the people! Don't you yourself know what Haizhou City is like now?"
Song Chaoyu's words were actually an attempt to probe Gu Rui's thoughts.
Gu Rui frowned, and indeed, a hint of contemplation appeared in her eyes.
However, Xiao Zhangzi, who had been silent all along, seeing Gu Rui like this, finally spoke, "Your father has already been killed by them. You must always remember this hatred. Don't let them blind you. Could they know your father better than you, who have always been by his side?"
"Yes! I know my father, he is absolutely not that kind of person!"
Gu Rui's previously confused gaze became firm again. She was so resentful that she almost wanted to "burn" Song Chaoyu to death with the anger in her eyes. "You can deceive others, but don't think you can deceive me! My father has served as an official for many years, and has never made any mistakes. How is it that when it comes to you, he has become a heinous criminal?"
With Xiao Zhangzi present, Song Chaoyu knew Gu Rui wouldn't listen to her.
She relaxed slightly and leaned against the carriage wall, "So you believe Prince Ning's words? It seems you have no doubts. Haven't you considered why Prince Ning wouldn't deal with Prince Chang directly, but instead had to capture a woman like me? If you are all the same kind of people on the bridge, then I have nothing more to say to you."
Song Chaoyu sighed and lowered her head, deliberately saying these words.
But she also quietly observed Gu Rui's expression, seeing a fleeting look of awkwardness and confusion in her eyes, she knew that Gu Rui likely had her own principles.
It was a wonder how Gu Xuezhuo, a man like that, could have raised a daughter like Gu Rui.
Seeing Song Chaoyu closing her eyes to rest, Gu Rui didn't say anything further.
She just felt... Song Chaoyu's temperament seemed different from what she had heard.
But thinking of Gu Xuezhuo's "tragic death," she didn't want to think about anything else.
—
The carriage traveled in the rain for an unknown amount of time before stopping as the rain gradually subsided.
When the carriage came to a complete halt, Song Chaoyu heard footsteps outside.
Xiao Zhangzi stepped forward and took out a black cloth, intending to blindfold Song Chaoyu: "Princess Chang, please?"
Gu Rui's short sword was once again pressed against Song Chaoyu's neck, leaving Song Chaoyu with no room to resist.
Song Chaoyu could only follow them out of the carriage, and then let them drag her towards a certain place.
Initially, there were still small, fine raindrops falling on Song Chaoyu's shoulders.
But soon, she entered a room, and the warmth of the charcoal fire washed over her, finally dispelling some of her chill.
At the same time, Xiao Zhangzi untied the cloth covering Song Chaoyu's eyes from behind.
The light in the room made Song Chaoyu frown slightly in discomfort before she could clearly see the situation before her.
It was a not-too-large room, looking like a farmhouse, somewhat dilapidated but still sturdy.
There was no one else in the room, except for a man Song Chaoyu was all too familiar with, sitting in the main seat—Mu Hansu.
At this moment, two charcoal basins were placed at his feet, and a pot of tea sat on the table in front of him.
He was leisurely sipping tea, which smelled like fine Taiping Houkui.
Mu Hansu... he had indeed come here!
Song Chaoyu frowned slightly, then curtsied to Mu Hansu: "Greetings, Your Highness Prince Ning. I did not expect Your Highness Prince Ning to travel thousands of miles to Haizhou City. Why not visit the city? That way, my Prince could fulfill his duties as host."
No one expected Song Chaoyu to remain so calm and composed in such a predicament!
Mu Hansu nodded to Xiao Zhangzi and Gu Rui: "You may withdraw. I have something to say to Princess Chang."
Xiao Zhangzi and Gu Rui withdrew as instructed. Mu Hansu then smiled gently at Song Chaoyu and gestured for her to sit beside him: "Sit. I apologize for inviting you here in such a manner."
For a moment, only the two of them remained in the room.
Although Song Chaoyu sat down, she remained vigilant: "Since Your Highness Prince Ning invited me in this manner, why not get straight to the point?"
"Heh—"
Mu Hansu chuckled again: "Your sister doesn't often speak of you, so I don't know you very well. I've only seen you a few times, and now this time, I find you to be different from the rumors outside. Compared to your sister, you seem even more proper and forthright!"
What?
Mu Hansu actually thought she was better than Song Yanjiao?
The sun today must have risen from the west.