Very Brave

"Pfft!"

Cui Ziting had just picked up his teacup, hoping a mouthful of hot tea would calm his mood.

However, when Cui Zilu's words reached his ears with absolute clarity, his mind instantly went blank.

Immediately after, the tea he had just taken into his mouth mixed with a gasp of horror and sprayed out uncontrollably.

Yet, at this moment, Cui Ziting could no longer care about his appearance.

He didn't even have time to wipe his face, nor did he bother apologizing to Gu Chengyin, as his body sprang up from his seat.

Crossing the distance in a few quick strides, he practically lunged in front of Cui Zilu, his face deathly pale and his eyes filled with unbelievable terror.

Without a word, his hand shot out like lightning, tightly clamping over Cui Zilu's small mouth just as she tried to say something else.

The force was so great that it caused Cui Zilu to let out short, muffled whimpers.

"Marquis Gu! Marquis Gu, please don't take it seriously! Please don't take it to heart!"

While using all his strength to suppress the constantly struggling and twisting Cui Zilu, Cui Ziting turned his head, forcing a smile onto his face that looked worse than crying.

He spoke as fast as a machine gun: "My little sister... she must have sneaked some fruit wine tonight! Yes! Fruit wine! It has a strong delayed effect, and now that it's hitting her, she's talking nonsense. It's all drunken babble!"

"Please don't take it seriously! I... I will deal with her right away! At once! Immediately!"

As Cui Ziting spoke, he pulled with his arms, forcefully dragging Cui Zilu away from her original spot and moving toward the pavilion's exit.

How could Cui Zilu willingly submit? Although she lacked Cui Ziting's strength, she made up for it with agility and a fierce fighting spirit, using both hands to pry at the hand covering her mouth.

Her feet kicked wildly, and her body thrashed like a fish out of water. Her large eyes were wide, filled with defiance and anxiety.

She struggled to turn her head, her gaze piercing past Cui Ziting's arm to look at Gu Chengyin, who was still sitting calmly. Her eyes were filled with distress signals.

However, Gu Chengyin merely widened his eyes slightly, somewhat startled by the sudden turn of events.

Soon, his face returned to a calm expression, and he observed with great interest. He did not speak out to stop it, nor did he make any gesture to save her.

Cui Zilu's meager struggles were ultimately futile in front of Cui Ziting, who was determined to deal with her immediately.

Very quickly, she was dragged out of the pavilion by Cui Ziting and onto the outside corridor.

As soon as they were out the door, Cui Ziting immediately barked a low, urgent order to the maids waiting nearby: "Someone come! Hurry!"

Several maids who had been standing by immediately trotted over upon hearing his voice, appearing well-trained.

Seeing Cui Zilu struggling incessantly with her mouth tightly covered by Cui Ziting, a flash of surprise crossed their eyes, but their movements did not hesitate.

"Quick! Take my sister back to her courtyard! Without my permission, she is not allowed to come out!" Cui Ziting ordered immediately, simultaneously releasing his hand from her mouth.

The moment his hand released, Cui Zilu immediately took a deep breath, her small chest heaving violently, looking as if she was about to shout at the top of her lungs.

But Cui Ziting was quick. From the corner of his eye, he spotted a maid holding a bolt of brand-new silk.

Without a second thought, he snatched the soft yet thick silk and, the instant Cui Zilu opened her mouth, shoved it in without hesitation.

"Mmph! Mmmph!" Cui Zilu's voice was instantly blocked, leaving only a series of angry and muffled whimpers.

A layer of mist instantly clouded her beautiful eyes, whether from anger or from being stifled was unknown.

"What are you standing around for?! Take her away immediately!" Cui Ziting yelled at the somewhat dazed maids.

The maids finally snapped out of it and hurried forward. Two of them grabbed Cui Zilu's arms from the left and right, while another gently supported her from behind.

They almost semi-forcibly escorted the silenced Cui Zilu away, quickly heading toward the inner residence.

Cui Zilu continued to twist unwillingly, turning her head to glare at Cui Ziting with her large, tear-filled eyes.

She also tried her best to see Gu Chengyin inside the pavilion, but was ultimately blocked by the maids' figures, soon disappearing around the corner of the corridor.

It wasn't until Cui Zilu's figure completely vanished and her muffled protests could no longer be heard that Cui Ziting suddenly let out a breath of relief, feeling a cold sweat break out on his back.

He raised a hand to wipe the sweat from his forehead and muttered in lingering fear, "Oh, my little ancestors, you really scared me to death. It was almost all over."

If Gu Chengyin had turned hostile because of that offensive remark, wouldn't all the plans for tonight have gone down the drain?

If their father found out, he would definitely flay him alive!

After standing in place for a few breaths to calm his wildly beating heart and chaotic breathing, Cui Ziting finally rearranged a proper expression on his face.

He patted his slightly wrinkled robes, turned around, and walked back into the pavilion.

Gu Chengyin was still sitting in his original spot, his expression calm, as if the chaotic farce just now had never happened.

Cui Ziting walked up to him and made a deep bow. His face carried an apology that could be described as deeply sorrowful, and his tone was full of regret and self-blame:

"Marquis Gu! I am truly sorry for what just happened! A thousand faults, ten thousand faults, they are all my fault! I failed to discipline my younger sister properly, allowing her to act so recklessly."

"She even spouted wild nonsense and offended you, my Lord! It is truly a misfortune for our family, and I have made a fool of myself in front of Marquis Gu!"

Cui Ziting straightened up, his expression serious, and promised, "Marquis Gu, please rest assured, I will report this matter truthfully to my father!"

"My father has always been strict in his upbringing. He will definitely punish her severely and discipline her well, ensuring that such an absurd incident never happens again!"

"Our entire Cui Manor will also definitely make compensation to you, Marquis Gu, to express our apologies!"

"I hope Marquis Gu will be magnanimous and absolutely not let my sister's nonsense affect the joyous friendship between host and guest, and even more so, not let it affect... the matter we were just discussing."

He spoke the last sentence carefully, simultaneously observing Gu Chengyin's expression.

Gu Chengyin looked at Cui Ziting, who was acting as if facing a formidable enemy and looked eager to send Cui Zilu back to the womb to be remade, and found it somewhat amusing.

He put down his teacup and waved his hand, revealing an understanding smile on his face:

"Brother Cui, your words are too serious. I am not a petty person."

"I just think your sister... well, has a lot of nerve."

Cui Ziting felt slightly relieved, but his bitter smile grew deeper. He shook his head and sighed, "Marquis Gu, you are truly magnanimous. My sister is more than just bold."

"You don't know, this girl has been lawless since she was young. There is nothing she doesn't dare to think or do."

"It's only because our father and mother spoil her and let her do whatever she wants that she has developed this fearless attitude. If it were one of the unfavored girls from the branch families..."

At this point, Cui Ziting realized he had misspoken and immediately stopped talking.

Gu Chengyin understood clearly in his heart.

Beneath the glamorous facade of the great noble families, the internal hierarchy and the warmth or coldness of relationships were even more distinct.

Favored legitimate children could naturally act recklessly and enjoy privileges.

Meanwhile, the unfavored ones, especially those from branch families or born of concubines, often became tools to consolidate family interests.

Their marriages and futures were never their own to choose.

Cui Zilu was able to be so lively precisely because she stood at the pinnacle of favor and privilege.

And among those noble ladies paraded as gifts tonight, how many could ever possess her courage and freedom?

Gu Chengyin gazed out the window into the deep night. The lights of the lakeside pavilions had grown dim, and the sounds of music and dancing had long since faded away.

He stood up, smoothed his robes, and spoke:

"Brother Cui, it is growing late. Thank you for your generous hospitality tonight; our conversation has been a true pleasure."

"This Marquis must now return to the palace to report back to His Highness, so I shall not linger any longer."