Chapter 1141: Puppet Technique
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Hearing Qiao Xi’s words, everyone instantly fell silent. Did Mrs. Gu mean that Lu Yan was the one who angered Old Master Lu to the point of falling sick?
Fifth Uncle’s expression darkened as he berated loudly, “Gu Zheng! Previously, you said to the public that the head of the family was pretending to be sick. Now, everyone knows that the head of the family is really in a coma and can’t even participate in the ancestral worship ceremony. However, you’re actually spreading rumors here. Are you qualified to come and pay respects to our ancestors?”
Look, they were finally getting to the main topic!
Qiao Xi was angered to the point of laughing. “Fifth Uncle, Gu Zheng didn’t say that Old Master Lu was pretending to be sick. That was everyone’s guess. Moreover, the Lu family didn’t retort back then, nor did you guys reveal Old Master Lu’s medical record. Hence, it made everyone think that the Lu family was guilty and tacitly agreed to Old Master Lu’s act.
“Isn’t it a little unreasonable for you to blame Ah Zheng for spreading rumors now? Your Lu family didn’t even explain it to the public. Did you want Ah Zheng to explain things on behalf of you?”
Everyone was speechless again. Mrs. Gu looked young, but she was very eloquent.
Fifth Uncle was so angry that his face turned red. He questioned loudly, “Gu Zheng, why are you hiding behind a woman? Don’t forget that the Lu family’s blood flows in your veins. If the Lu family’s reputation is ruined, you’ll be affected too!”
Qiao Xi whimpered aggrievedly. “I just can’t stand you bullying Ah Zheng. Just because Ah Zheng has a good temper and doesn’t want to bicker with you, you’re forcing him into a dead end! How unreasonable!”
Fifth Uncle: “…” Gu Zheng had a good temper?
He pointed at Qiao Xi and roared angrily. “You have no right to speak here. Shut up!”
Qiao Xi was like a frightened little white rabbit as she hid behind Gu Zheng with a terrified expression. However, a trace of disdain flashed past her eyes. She deliberately got entangled with Fifth Uncle not because she was bored but because she wanted to stall for time.
It would take some time for the hypnosis to lift. Moreover, Old Master Lu had been unconscious for so long. It would take time for him to completely wake up and regain control of his actions and thoughts.
The current Old Master Lu was equivalent to a puppet in her palm. She could control him as she pleased. She gently stroked her palm, and soon, a red line appeared on her skin. The red line seemed to have a life of its own as it trembled slightly.
On the other hand, Old Master Lu slowly walked out of the door. As everyone in the Lu family was paying respects to their ancestors outside the ancestral hall, only the family doctor and two doctors from the Medical Association were guarding the old master’s bedroom.
The three of them were expressionless when they saw Old Master Lu walk out. After all, they knew that Old Master Lu was pretending. There was nothing to be surprised about now that he had woken up. However, what was Old Master Lu doing? Could it be that he was going to attend the ceremony?
Old Master Lu was really responsible. He was going to pay respects to his ancestors as soon as he woke up!
At this moment, outside the ancestral hall, Qiao Xi looked at the red line on her palm that was getting deeper and deeper. She knew that Old Master Lu was walking over. Soon, everyone would see Old Master Lu appear. Then, the people from the Medical Association would reveal the old master’s health in public. At that time, the truth would be known about whether he was pretending to be sick or if he was really unconscious!
Qiao Xi was not ashamed in the slightest. She had indeed hypnotized the old master and made him faint for a few days. Today, the old master and Lu Yan would also lose their dignity in public. However, she could not be blamed for this. If the Lu family had not wanted to scheme against Gu Zheng, why would she deliberately counterattack?
Hence, Qiao Xi felt that Lu Yan and Old Master Lu were not innocent at all. They had shot themselves in the foot. They deserved it!
Gu Zheng’s cold eyes landed on Fifth Uncle. The surrounding temperature seemed to have dropped. His voice carried a trace of coldness. “Are you done talking?”
Seeing that he was so unconcerned, Fifth Uncle was so angry that he almost vomited blood. “Gu Zheng, I know you’re in control of Li City, but the Lu family’s residence isn’t a place for you to fool around. You’ve already angered the head of the family to the point of falling sick, yet you’re still spreading rumors outside that the head of the family is pretending to be sick. You’re really heartless!”
Gu Zheng curled his lips. His deep eyes had long seen through everyone’s thoughts, but he still raised an eyebrow and asked, “So what do you think I should do?”
Everyone hesitated for a moment and could not help but look at Lu Yan.
Lu Yan had a gentle smile on his face as he nodded imperceptibly. Fifth Uncle seemed to have received a signal and said gently, “Ah Zheng, we don’t want to blame you, but this ancestral worship ceremony is the most important event in the Lu family every year. Logically speaking, the head of the family has to attend. If the head of the family doesn’t attend, I’m afraid our ancestors will blame him.
“You caused the head of the family to fall unconscious and made him unable to pay respects to his ancestors, so you’re the culprit behind this matter. You can’t continue to participate in the ceremony.”