Chapter 467 - 334: The Bigger Picture
Gu Chengzhao is not Xiao Jing.
Pingnan Marquis Xiao Jing might surrender to a Holy Decree, feel disheartened by slander, and be willing to sacrifice his life for the safety of Dayan... But her father, Marquis Gu, would never be like that.
Yet, her father is the well-known hero of Dayan, and if Rong Jing destroys the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion without reason or evidence, he could destroy it — and then he would be overthrown by the people and ministers alike.
Zhang Fengcai looked at the gentle but impenetrable face of Gu Lan, but what came to his mind was the miserable state of Zhong Liang just now.
Regardless of whether the person in front is male or female, it doesn’t change the fact that she is the most unreasonable dandy in Dayan.
Zhang Fengcai suddenly realized how difficult his task was and broke down, saying, "Gu Lan, His Majesty only hopes you come to court."
"And then prove by myself that the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion is guilty of treason? Do you think I’m a fool?" Gu Lan wiped the water from her hands and smiled as she questioned back.
"This... you’re not a fool, I’m the fool." Zhang Fengcai maintained a forced smile, his expression twisted.
"Yes, indeed." Gu Lan bypassed him, walked to the table, picked up a woman’s dress on the wooden plate, and examined it carefully.
The lake-blue pleated skirt felt smooth in her hands, adorned with light-colored patterns, finely crafted, and very stylish, Rong Jing had good taste.
"What a pity." In the next moment, she forcefully tore it, with a ripping sound, the skirt was torn in half.
Zhang Fengcai was shocked and embarrassed to snatch it, could only watch the dress being destroyed with wide eyes, stumbling over his words: "Young Master, no, Miss Gu, you can’t—"
"In a bad mood, not wearing it, and not going to court either." Gu Lan said lazily, raising her eyebrows slightly, "If you don’t feel comfortable calling me Miss, then don’t. You’re not used to it, and I’m not used to hearing it."
Zhang Fengcai was choked up, trying earnestly to persuade:
"Alright, Young Master Gu... anyway, by defying the decree like this, all you do is anger His Majesty, and nothing good comes from it for you. Even if you don’t attend court, His Majesty could still announce your identity to the world, making things difficult for Lord Gu and Young Master Gu."
Gu Lan glanced at him: "Who says there’s no benefit to me? Rong Jing’s plans fail, he gets angry, I am delighted, isn’t that a real benefit—I’ve already said, if he has the guts, really kill my second uncle and Gu Changting."
Zhang Fengcai’s mouth twitched, taking a deep breath, feeling his broken arm ache slightly: "These days, Young Master Gu must have understood His Majesty’s temperament. If His Majesty truly... gets angry, nothing is beyond him."
Gu Lan was utterly fearless, grandiosely raising her eyebrows: "Isn’t it not at the point of him going mad yet? You also said, without me, he can still announce it to the world."
Besides going mad, Rong Jing was full of confusion; before he found the truth, his perplexity overshadowed his anger.
Zhang Fengcai: "..." Whoever wants this job can take it; he really doesn’t want to persuade anymore.
Second Young Master Gu and Gu Changting could indeed be used to threaten Gu Lan, but in turn, Rong Jing became trapped in an awkward situation where he couldn’t act against the Marquis Mansion.
This matter is awkward precisely because Rong Jing has always maintained the image of a benevolent and gentle Emperor.
He could kill an innocent citizen, unlucky eunuch, or secretly execute a palace attendant or two, torture his younger siblings secretly, even quietly kill the former Emperor, but he absolutely couldn’t openly murder a high court official, especially now—with the world watching the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion.
Rong Jing wanted to announce to the world that Gu Lan was a woman, she didn’t care, but asking her to cooperate and voluntarily prove the Marquis Mansion’s treason was impossible.
The Young Master Gu would never wear women’s clothes! It’s a matter of principle!
A faint smile of Rong Heng flashed before Gu Lan’s eyes, settling and calming her heart.
"If Rong Jing wants to know why I am a woman yet not despised by Rong Heng, let him come ask me himself."
After saying this, Gu Lan tossed the torn dress onto Zhang Fengcai’s head, then turned and sat down on the bed, crossing her arms behind her head, relaxing lazily with her legs crossed.
Zhang Fengcai poked his head out from the torn dress, his chest heaving.
Seeing him so angry, Gu Lan was in a good mood, smirked rogueishly, and said:
"You say Rong Jing wants me to wear women’s clothes to court, why after bathing didn’t he throw away my clothes? I would have to wear women’s clothes. In the end, what he prepared for me is still men’s clothes, a golden opportunity just lost like that."
Zhang Fengcai emphasized each word: "... You really have a point."
"Could Eunuch Zhang kindly clean this place before leaving, thank you." She closed her eyes and instructed.