Gu Beichen now believed that a surge of regret instantly rose in his heart. If he had known it would end like this, he should have been more careful back then and not listened to or believed Murong Jinyun. In the end, he was simply too naive.
"It's useless even if you regret it immensely now. What you can do is try your best to make amends!"
Ling Mohan continued to look at Gu Beichen with cold eyes, his tone softening slightly.
"How can I make amends? Just tell me, and I'll definitely do it!"
Gu Beichen asked hastily. If there was a way to mend the mistakes he had made, he would spare no effort. But how exactly could he make amends…
"Do you truly wish to make amends?"
"Nonsense. If I didn't want to, why would I be saying all this to you? Stop beating around the bush and tell me quickly what I need to do!"
After a pause, Ling Mohan remained silent. Instead, he gestured with his eyes for Feng Jin to speak.
Receiving Ling Mohan's signal, Feng Jin immediately understood and quickly said, "There is a way, but I don't know if you're willing?"
"I am willing. You two shouldn't keep me in suspense, just tell me quickly!"
He was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan, pacing back and forth. He had no patience to listen to them tease him. At this moment, all he wanted was to know the answer quickly.
Feng Jin stopped playing coy. Clearing his throat, he organized his thoughts and began to speak calmly, "Actually, it's quite simple. The situation is still within our control. Now that you know the truth, all you can do is continue to play along as if nothing has happened, pretending you are still unaware."
"Especially when dealing with Murong Jinyun and the people of Xiliang, you must act exactly as you always have. You absolutely cannot let them suspect anything. And the most important point is that there must not be the slightest change in your marriage to Murong Jinyun, do you understand?"
What Gu Beichen could do now was to continue acting, and without showing any flaws. The net had been cast, the fish were hooked, and it was the crucial moment to reel them in. Not a single mistake could be made.
Especially with Gu Beichen, he was the most critical piece, and there could be no deviation. One wrong step… and all would be lost.
"You mean I should act as if I know nothing and continue as before…" Gu Beichen finally understood their intention.
If he didn't know the truth, he could indeed continue to interact with Murong Jinyun like this. But now that he knew everything, how could he continue to feign ignorance and act flawlessly? This was truly too difficult for him.
Gu Beichen hesitated, then spoke, "I really can't do it. I can't pretend to be ignorant when I know the whole truth and continue to act with Murong Jinyun. I'm afraid that when I see Murong Jinyun again, I won't be able to control myself and will confront her…"
"You must do it, even if you can't. This is something you have to do. Only you can do it now; you have no chance to refuse!"
Ling Mohan reprimanded him sternly. At this critical juncture, there was no time for him to dither. If they delayed any longer, they would all be finished.
"I…" Gu Beichen's brows furrowed tightly. After a long hesitation, he slowly opened his mouth and said, "Then I'll try…"
"Just treat Murong Jinyun with your usual calm. I believe you still have affection for her in your heart. When you interact with her, don't think of her as a princess of Xiliang. Just think of her as the one you love most, and treat her with the same affection!"
Feng Jin patiently guided him. This way, Gu Beichen would feel a little better when dealing with Murong Jinyun and wouldn't carry such a heavy burden.
Gu Beichen lowered his eyes. He understood what Feng Jin was saying, but the barrier in his heart remained. After a moment's hesitation, he finally agreed, "I know what to do."
Murong Jinyun had deceived him for so long, and now it was his turn to deceive her. It truly was a cycle of karma.
"Whatever you do, don't get too carried away and end up betraying us. Don't tell the Xiliang princess everything, and then run off to Xiliang to be your consort!"
Ling Mohan said this so lightly, yet it felt like a knife fiercely piercing his heart. Gu Beichen felt the wound on his heart being torn open and salt being sprinkled on it, leaving it raw and bleeding.
"Say less. I won't think you're mute!" Gu Beichen gritted his teeth, his molars aching fiercely.
"Say less." Finally, Feng Jin couldn't stand it anymore. He nudged Ling Mohan with his elbow, urging him to say less. If he continued, Gu Beichen would storm out.
To appease Gu Beichen's emotions, Feng Jin mediated between them, "Have some tea to calm your anger. Let's talk things through slowly, no rush… no rush…"
Fortunately, there was still some tea in the manor, otherwise, they would all have to drink plain water to cool their tempers.
Gu Beichen drank several cups of tea before he could barely suppress his anger. He turned his head away, no longer looking at Ling Mohan, fearing he would be angered to death.
"If you have nothing else to do, hurry back. Don't be an eyesore here."
In no time, Ling Mohan began to show him the door. He truly didn't want to see Gu Beichen anymore. Looking at him for a few more moments made him tremble with anger.
"I'm going, I'm going! This Prince doesn't deign to stay here!" Gu Beichen slammed the teacup in his hand onto the table, stood up abruptly, and was about to walk out. His initial steps were swift, but they gradually slowed down, and finally, he turned back to look at Ling Mohan.
Seeing him still sitting there calmly sipping tea, his rising anger intensified: "Won't you show even the slightest gesture of holding me back?"
"Farewell!" Ling Mohan didn't even lift his head, uttering those few words indifferently.
"You are truly… truly commendable. I'm going, and this Prince doesn't care to stay."
This time, Gu Beichen turned and left without looking back. In less than half an hour, the sound of the main gate being slammed shut echoed.
"You just let him leave? Don't you need to give him any more instructions? What if he accidentally lets something slip…"