Staying Over

Ultimately, Luo Zhao used her astonishing willpower to forcibly suppress and crush all her emotions, sinking them into a bottomless, freezing pool.

She was Luo Zhao, the Crown Princess of Great Luo, the future Empress.

She could not, and should not, be swayed by any emotion.

What she needed to do was utilize everyone available to achieve her goals.

As for Gu Chengyin... she would wring every last drop of value out of him first. It wouldn't be too late to settle the score then.

With this thought, the ripples in Luo Zhao's heart completely settled.

She gave a slight nod, her voice cold and flat, devoid of any superfluous emotion.

Then I will leave this hard work to you.

These simple words were both an agreement and a delegation of responsibility.

Gu Chengyin paid no mind to the indifference in Luo Zhao's tone; this was the proper boundary between a ruler and a subject.

He nodded and continued, Your Highness, although there is a high probability that the Xiao and Cui families will not dare to make a move against the Crown Princess's Palace.

Even a cornered rabbit will bite. If they are truly pushed to the brink, there is no telling what crazy actions they might take.

Right now, it is still just the probing phase. But if this drags on and they find themselves out of options, I fear they might take a desperate risk and resort to more extreme measures.

Gu Chengyin paused before suggesting, I believe we should make preparations early and strengthen the defensive forces of the Palace. For example... General Chen.

Now that the matter concerning Chen Busha had been resolved, his loyalty was beyond doubt, and his personal martial prowess made him one of the strongest experts in the Foundation Establishment realm.

If he could lead the Golden Feather Guards to participate in the defense of the Crown Princess's Palace, its security would be greatly enhanced.

Luo Zhao expressed her agreement. I understand. Tomorrow, I will personally visit the Golden Feather Guards' encampment outside the city.

Going in person was not only to see Chen Busha but also to pacify the morale of the thirty thousand Golden Feather Guards.

Having said all that needed to be said, Gu Chengyin spoke no more and bowed to indicate the end of his report.

Luo Zhao stood up. Her gaze swept over Gu Xiaoli, who was about to fall asleep again nearby, and she instructed Shangguan Yunying,

Yunying, I am leaving Gu Xiaoli in your care. Remember, do not leave her side for even a single step.

Yes! Please rest assured, Your Highness, Shangguan Yunying responded solemnly.

Luo Zhao did not linger. With steady steps, she walked toward the door, her dark silhouette quickly blending into the night until she disappeared from sight.

Only after Luo Zhao's figure had completely vanished did the tense atmosphere ease slightly.

Shangguan Yunying immediately approached Gu Chengyin, her face etched with worry. Isn't... isn't this too risky for you?

What if the noble families really become desperate and send assassins after you at all costs?

Although you have cultivation, two fists are no match for four hands. How about... I dispatch a few highly skilled female officials to protect you in secret?

Shangguan Yunying was genuinely worried. In her heart, Gu Chengyin's importance had surpassed anyone else's, save for Her Highness.

Gu Chengyin smiled and shook his head. I appreciate Master Yunying's good intentions.

However, we are already short on female officials, and you have to split your attention to protect Gu Xiaoli, making your responsibilities even heavier.

You do not need to worry about my safety. Tomorrow, I will go find myself a protective charm.

A protective charm? Shangguan Yunying blinked in confusion. What protective charm? Is it an expert I know? It couldn't be General Chen, could it?

A mysterious smile appeared on Gu Chengyin's face as he waved his hand. Of course not. As for what exactly it is, you will find out tomorrow.

Seeing him so certain, Shangguan Yunying could only suppress her doubts, though she repeatedly urged Gu Chengyin to be extremely careful.

The next day, early morning.

The grand, vermilion-painted gates of the Cui Manor had just opened. The servants were sweeping the courtyard when they saw a carriage slowly come to a halt in front of the gates.

The carriage curtain was lifted, and Gu Chengyin stepped down, dressed in dark cyan casual attire, looking completely at ease.

The servants at the door recognized him immediately and hurriedly ran inside to report.

Soon, having received the report, Cui Ziting rushed out to greet him. His face still carried traces of sleepiness, as well as surprise at seeing Gu Chengyin.

Marquis Gu? What brings you...?

Cui Ziting cupped his hands in greeting, his eyes filled with bewilderment.

It had only been one night; why was the Marquis of Equal Merit visiting again so early in the morning?

Could there be some unfinished business?

Gu Chengyin patted his shoulder, wearing a smile that suggested everything was perfectly natural, and got straight to the point.

Morning, Brother Cui. After I returned last night, I tossed and turned, unable to eat or sleep!

Ah?

Cui Ziting was stunned. Unable to eat or sleep?

Because of what? Was last night's singing and dancing not spectacular enough? Or was the fine wine not mellow enough?

Or perhaps... Cui Zilu's absurd question had offended him.

Did he get angrier the more he thought about it after going back, and had come today to settle the score?

At this thought, Cui Ziting's heart skipped a beat.

However, Gu Chengyin sighed with exaggerated emotion, The scenery of your esteemed manor is truly too elegant, and the fine wine and delicacies are too tempting. Especially your warm hospitality, Brother Cui, which made me feel right at home. I simply cannot stop thinking about it!

Meanwhile, the Crown Princess's Palace is cold and deserted, with far too many rules. It is truly suffocating.

Therefore, I have come uninvited today to trouble your noble household and stay for a few days. I wonder, Brother Cui, am I welcome?

Stay... stay for a few days?!

Cui Ziting was completely dumbfounded. His eyes went wide, his mouth hung slightly open, and he couldn't react for a long time.

The Marquis of Equal Merit, personally titled by Her Highness, the favorite before the Eldest Princess, and the principal manager of the Internal Affairs Department, had run to the gates of the Cui Manor early in the morning, asking to crash there?

What... what kind of play was this?! Had the Crown Princess's Palace caught fire? He hadn't heard anything about that!

Mar... Marquis Gu, you aren't joking, are you?

Cui Ziting laughed dryly, trying to find a trace of a joke on Gu Chengyin's face.

Do I look like I am joking?

Gu Chengyin wore a serious expression, even looking a bit hurt. What, Brother Cui? Just yesterday we were having a heart-to-heart, lamenting that we hadn't met sooner.

Today you despise me, reluctant to even offer a place to stay? Alas, it seems I have been overly presumptuous...

No, no, no! I meant no such thing! For Marquis Gu to grace us with your presence is an honor for the Cui Manor! You bring light to our humble dwelling! I am overjoyed, how could I possibly despise you!

Terrified, Cui Ziting waved his hands repeatedly, hurriedly making his stance clear.

Are you kidding? This master was currently favored by his father; he could not afford to offend him.

It is just... just that this matter is a bit sudden. I need to inform my father...

Gu Chengyin said nonchalantly, That is only natural. Go and inform him.

Then let me lead you to the reception hall first before I go inform my father.

Inside the reception hall of the Cui Manor, Gu Chengyin had just taken his seat.

Before he even had time to taste the fragrant tea served by the maid, Cui Ziting excused himself and hurriedly left to find Cui Shifan.

Gu Chengyin was in no rush, leisurely observing the furnishings in the hall.

Before long, steady yet slightly hurried footsteps came from outside.

Cui Shifan's figure appeared at the door, his face filled with pleasant surprise and enthusiasm, as if he were seeing a long-lost friend.

Without waiting for Gu Chengyin to stand up, he quickly stepped forward and grasped Gu Chengyin's hand firmly.