Chapter 344

Granny Wang did not know Yu Gu well, but she knew there was such a person in the Duke's Residence. However, Yu Gu had always kept a low profile, often secluding herself in Changfeng Pavilion. Unless she went out to get medicine, she was basically invisible.

When did she get involved with the Duke?

Also, with so many women available, how could the Duke take a fancy to a female doctor?

Hiding behind a corner, Cheng saw Zhao Hui and Yu Gu standing far away at the entrance to the small courtyard. She did not seem to know what they were talking about.

The longer she looked, the more the woman under the lamplight seemed somewhat familiar.

"Granny Wang, don't you think this Yu Gu looks..."

Granny Wang did not hear clearly. "Madam, what did you say?"

Cheng glanced at her impatiently. Realizing she was not her confidante Granny Sun, she said dejectedly, "Never mind, you wouldn't know anyway."

Seeing Zhao Hui shut out by Yu Gu and about to head home, Cheng had to hurry back to the carriage.

On the way back, she kept thinking about Yu Gu's brows and eyes. The more she thought about it, the more she felt Yu Gu resembled the late Mrs. Lin who had jumped off a cliff...

The thought frightened her, making her break out in a cold sweat.

But Jixue Cliff was so high. How could anyone survive jumping off it?

Yu Gu could not possibly be Mrs. Lin!

Cheng's face turned deathly pale. She placed a hand over her heart to calm herself down repeatedly, telling herself that Mrs. Lin had died years ago. Her soul must have dispersed. It was impossible, impossible. Yu Gu and Mrs. Lin merely had similar eyes.

But when Cheng returned to Baomo Hall, she became restless again. Zhao Rou refused to give her any clues. Now she had no idea what to do. Should she just let the Duke get involved with Yu Gu?

What if Yu Gu was promiscuous and threatened her status after entering the Duke's Residence?

Until now, all she cared about was her status and wealth, afraid that Zhao Hui would lose interest in her.

Sitting anxiously in Baomo Hall for a while, unwilling to give up, Cheng had herself groomed and made up beautifully. Swaying her hips, she took a bowl of deer tendon soup to Qingyun Elegant Building.

In the study, Zhao Hui was staring blankly at Mrs. Lin's portrait on the wall.

Cheng brought the soup in, narrowed her eyes coldly at the portrait, and removed her formal blue outer robe to reveal a glimpse of the embroidered peony chiffon skirt inside. She pulled down her shoulder cape, hooked up the corners of her lips, and embraced Zhao Hui from behind.

"My lord, why have you only just returned home tonight? You've kept your wife waiting for so long."

She clung weakly to Zhao Hui, reaching for his waist. In the past, Zhao Hui would surely be unable to restrain himself and make passionate love to her.

But tonight he was really not in the mood. He pulled her down and glanced at her coldly, "What's with you, the prestigious wife of the Duke, dressing like this? Where are your manners?"

Cheng was experienced in seduction. This was the first time Zhao Hui had rejected her so directly.

She bit her lip aggrievedly. "You don't like me dressing like this?"

Zhao Hui said impatiently, "I don't."

Cheng knitted her brows, hooking his belt with her hand. Her red lips pouted, "But you used to like it a lot."

Zhao Hui pushed her away helplessly and sat down on a nearby chair. "I'm really not in the mood tonight. Go back first. I still have official business to deal with."

When Cheng was kicked out of Moyun Pavilion, she still couldn't believe it.

It was only when the study door closed behind her that she finally reacted - the Duke had actually rejected her!

Could it be that the Duke... had lost interest in her body?

Realizing this, Cheng froze. For the first time, she felt a sense of crisis.

...

Having unintentionally watched the spectacle, Zhao Changdu scoffed coldly.

As for Yu Gu, he did not take her to heart either.

Gu Ying was full of doubts. "Brother Changdu, why would Father be with Yu Gu?"

Zhao Changdu put his arm around the little girl's waist, his expression aloof. "Who he likes and wants to be with is none of my concern."

In the man's arms, Gu Ying looked back into the alley. In the dim alley, a cold candle flickered before Yu Gu's courtyard gate. She recalled Shen Ruxu's words, and had a strange feeling in her heart.

Could what Shen Ruxu said refer to the secret affair between Yu Gu and Father?

But judging by Yu Gu's frigid personality, she did not seem like the type who would seduce a man for power and status. Besides, her appearance had been ruined.

"Brother Changdu, don't you think Yu Gu is a bit odd?"

"Why is Little Ying so concerned about Yu Gu? Are you still upset about Shen Ruxu's matter?"

"No, I know you only have me in your heart." What a self-satisfied tone.

Zhao Changdu hooked his lips indulgently. "Then don't mention her again in the future."

Having said that, the man narrowed his phoenix eyes, and picked her up in his arms.

Gu Ying instinctively put her arms around his neck, blinking at him. She knew the Crown Prince cared about her, so she would stop tormenting herself by mentioning Yu Gu and Shen Ruxu.

...

Gu Ying was carried back to Changfeng Pavilion by Zhao Changdu.

Halfway through, she started to feel drowsy. A taut string in her mind quivered slightly, and her consciousness blurred for a moment.

Before she could realize anything, his kiss had fallen.

Dazed by his kiss, it took her quite some time to recover her senses, only to find herself back in the carved bed at Changfeng Pavilion.

The man still wanted to lean down to bite her.

Gu Ying's eyes swiveled as she gazed deeply into his dark and profound phoenix eyes. She raised her hand to stop his bare chest. "Although I don't like Cheng, I have to admit she is adept at managing her husband. For so many years, only she has been by Father's side. I wonder what spell Cheng has cast on Father to make him only fond of her."

Zhao Changdu's long eyes narrowed slowly. His jet black gaze fell on Gu Ying's face like a wild beast.

Before Gu Ying knew it, he had hooked up her fingers to his lips. When she tried to retract her hand, he grasped it firmly.

"Brother Changdu..."

"Still trying to get away?"

Gu Ying's face suddenly flushed crimson. "I didn't..."

Zhao Changdu's breathing grew heavy, his voice hoarse and low. "I think you're even more formidable than her."

"What?" Gu Ying looked up innocently with her shiny obsidian eyes, radiating a cold yet seductive light.

Her ignorant and innocent gaze seemed to see into the man's heart.

"Little Ying, you are much more formidable than Cheng." Zhao Changdu was instantly inflamed. His blood boiled and rushed down to a certain place.

Yet she still appeared clueless, blinking her long lashes like fluttering butterfly wings. Her cherry lips opened and closed, saying she had no idea how to serve her husband.

Little girl, if she didn't know how, who would?

No woman in this world could wield an innocent young lady's natural charm.

She had already been with a man and was carrying his child.

Yet she revealed such purity in this matter, making him want to tear her apart.