Chapter 85: She’s Had a Rough Day

Chapter 85

Zhao Changdu's face was expressionless as he narrowed his dark eyes. "Those with a guilty conscience wouldn't ask Imperial Physician Wang to make a house call."

In fact, he had anticipated this move from the start and had people secretly follow Imperial Physician Wang.

Only that girl was naive, thinking that with an imperial decree, there would be no more obstacles. Unfortunately, she overlooked one thing - human hearts are as deep as the sea, let alone the treacherous situation in Bianjing.

Su He pondered, "Changdu, whose reach extends into the Imperial Medical Academy?"

Zhao Changdu didn't reply.

The power dynamics in Bianjing were complex with many vested interests. Gu Ying had more backing than just the East Ping Marquis's estate; her bigger patron was the prestigious Ye family of centuries-old noble lineage.

Who would go through so much trouble to deal with a helpless young girl and a ten-year-old disabled boy?

The mastermind must be targeting the Ye clan ultimately; the Liu clan was merely a convenient tool.

Su He added, "Mistress Ye Qin has been busy these past few days."

Oblivious to the Ye clan's activities, Zhao Changdu's brows furrowed slightly at this information. "Busy with what?"

Su He said sarcastically, "Who knows? Thanks to whatever your young lady told her aunt, Mistress Qin is now looking around for a new match for her."

Zhao Changdu's expression suddenly darkened.

Su He chuckled brightly - how rare! To see such an interesting play of emotions on the General of Hell's face was a real treat!

...

Indeed, Gu Ying did not have an easy time these past few days.

Imperial Physician Wang still hadn't come to treat her younger brother's illness. Her grandmother grounded her, ordering servants to guard her courtyard and forbid her from leaving the estate. Now she could only stay cooped up in the inner residence, unable to do anything.

Most infuriating was how the arrogant servant girls of the household openly and covertly mocked her after her broken engagement, calling her unworthy trash.

For two straight days now, Twilight Snow Studio hadn't received properly cooked, hot meals from the Main Kitchen, let alone high-quality charcoal.

Even with money, she now lacked the power to accomplish anything.

"Oh you...don't just look at the surface. Marrying him isn't so simple. He's the heir of the Prince's Estate - I'm just a daughter of the lowly Earl's House with a tarnished reputation. It's not that easy, him marrying me or me marrying him."

"But the Crown Prince giving you that jade pendant means he doesn't care about your reputation!"

Indeed, Yanzhi's words gave Gu Ying pause.

Whatever Zhao Changdu's motives in marrying her, his gesture of giving her his personal pendant meant she held value to him.

Value meant bargaining power.

She was originally unwilling to rely on Zhao Changdu unless utterly desperate...but her brother's illness couldn't be delayed any longer.

Moreover, her marriage now rested in Mrs. Liu's hands - given the choice between Zhao Changdu and that profligate nephew, any sane person knew which to pick.

She slowly closed the medical book in her hands.

For so long, she still hadn't found a cure for her brother. She felt useless.

Before Mrs. Liu gained control, she should have struck her down first - that was her failing too.

She finally admitted her limited abilities. With the broken engagement, her status and standing in Bianjing were now insignificant.

To truly avenge herself, she needed to climb higher.

High enough that they wouldn't dare look down on her casually again.

"Yanzhi, bring me the unicorn jade pendant."

"Yes, Miss!"

Yanzhi rushed off and quickly brought back the exotic black unicorn jade, placing it in her palm.

The smooth, faintly cool jade, just like Zhao Changdu himself - seemingly gentle as water, yet emanating an edge as sharp as a blade.

She was silent for a long while, a trace of sourness welling in her heart. She heaved a long sigh, eyes reddening slightly from her powerlessness.

After much deliberation, she still laughed helplessly at her inability to act and said, "Yanzhi, go call Yin Lan. I want to see my aunt."

...