Forced to be a concubine? I turned around and married the scumbag's father.

Zhou Zhilan peeled a pomegranate, scooped the bright red seeds into a white porcelain bowl, and then used a silver spoon to scoop a spoonful and put it into Gu Hua's mouth.

Gu Hua held the little storybook, opened her mouth and put the pomegranate seeds into her mouth, chewing them slowly. The sweet juice made her feel exceptionally happy.

No wonder it's been so quiet these past few days; it turns out Gu Wanru hasn't had time for her.

Zhou Zhilan glanced at her with a small look, then suddenly changed the subject.

"Alas, the master is too busy and can't manage the affairs of the manor at all. If only there were a mistress in the manor. The backyard is a complete mess."

Gu Hua nodded upon hearing this, looking as if she deeply agreed.

Since we've come up with the male protagonist from the storybook, we should do something about it.

She put down her storybook, walked to her desk, and picked up her pen: "My lord should have a virtuous and talented noblewoman, otherwise the reputation of the Duke of Yong's mansion will be ruined, and all the hard work my lord has put into conquering the country and winning the hearts of the people will be in vain."

Zhou Zhilan tilted her head: "If the master has a wife, will you be jealous?"

Gu Hua: Why would I be jealous? I would be content if I could stay by my lord's side and serve him, just like my sister.

Zhou Zhilan pointed at her: "Ha, so you said you didn't like the Lord."

Gu Hua panicked and quickly wrote: "My lord is mighty! All women in the world admire men like you. My admiration isn't the romantic love found in fairy tales; it's the worship of a hero, the reverence for a deity. In my heart, my lord is a man of imposing stature, great stature, and righteousness."

Wow, you're so good at giving compliments.

Zhou Zhilan's eyes widened in amazement. She reached out and picked up the Xuan paper, saying, "I want to take this to show the Lord."

Gu Hua's face turned pale, and she hurriedly tried to grab it, her throat struggling to utter a hoarse "no no no".

Two girls chased each other, laughing and playing as they ran around the ginkgo tree in the yard.

Suddenly, a tall figure appeared at the doorway.

Lord!

Zhou Zhilan was so frightened that she pulled her foot back and instinctively stuffed the Xuan paper into Gu Hua's arms.

Gu Hua's almond-shaped eyes pounded with fright, and she hurriedly crumpled the Xuan paper into a ball and stuffed it into her sleeve.

Mu Junyan saw the two little girls' little actions and expressions very clearly.

After not seeing her for three days, I discovered that the little girl also has a lively side.

What did the little girl write that she didn't want him to see?

My curiosity was immediately piqued.

"Bring it here."

Gu Hua stared at the outstretched hand, her lips trembling, her pretty face flushed red, and she nervously handed over a wad of paper.

Mu Junyan opened his eyes: "..."

Why do I feel so happy inside?

He glanced coldly at the two girls, his face stern and unsmiling: "You're not well yet, what are you running around for?"

Gu Hua lowered her head, not daring to utter a sound.

Mu Junyan realized his tone was too harsh, and his voice immediately softened: "Zhilan is usually busy, I will arrange for someone else to take care of your health."

Gu Hua keenly noticed his choice of words.

This person takes care of her, not serves her.

Since the master brought her personally, she must not be a maid.

Gu Hua looked up and noticed that Mu Junyan was followed by a young woman with a cold expression.

The young woman was also coldly scrutinizing her.

Gu Hua lowered her head, curtsied to Mu Junyan, and said softly in her hoarse voice, "Thank you, my lord."

"Don't talk too much."

Mu Junyan glanced at her. Every time he saw her, he felt a sense of guilt, like an old cow trying to gnaw on young grass but not daring to admit it.

He is the dashing, imposing, and righteous man in the eyes of young girls...

Not wanting to say anything more, he turned and walked away.

Gu Hua heard the strong footsteps fading away before she looked up.

Zhou Zhilan excitedly grabbed her, and just as the two were about to speak, Donghua ran in breathlessly.

"Young lady, your mother has arrived and wants to see you at the Brocade Pavilion."

Why did Consort Pei enter the mansion?

Gu Hua's hands instinctively clasped together nervously.

In her previous life, Aunt Pei had never set foot in the Duke's mansion.

Firstly, Consort Pei's status was too lowly to easily enter the Duke's mansion; secondly, Gu Hua was obedient, and Gu Wanru disliked her, so there was no need for her to come in and invite disdain.

Zhou Zhilan thought she was scared, so she grabbed her wrist and said, "I'll go with you."

"Sister," Gu Hua said in a hoarse voice, shaking her head.

She didn't want Zhou Zhilan, who was the best to her, to see her vulnerable side in front of her family.

"I'll go with Sister Gu."

The young woman stepped forward, her voice cold and clear: "My lord has instructed me to take care of Sister Gu."

Gu Hua and Zhou Zhilan both looked at her.

"My name is Shen Li, and I am Mr. Wu's disciple."

"Ah, you are the last disciple of Physician Wu." Zhou Zhilan exclaimed in surprise.

Gu Hua looked completely bewildered.

Zhou Zhilan explained, "Last time you fainted, the master asked the physician's last disciple if he was willing to come into the manor to take care of you, and that was her."

Gu Hua opened her mouth, but for a moment she didn't know what to say.

I was somewhat moved.

Zhou Zhilan pulled Donghua over: "Donghua is strong. If anyone dares to bully you, Donghua will beat them up."

Donghua rolled up her sleeves: "I'm only good at hitting people."

Gu Hua did not object. In case of any unforeseen circumstances, it would be good for the Duke's Mansion to have a witness.

"Too much trouble, just paralyze them with poison."

A cold, quiet voice suddenly broke in.

Everyone stared blankly at the young girl who had spoken.

"...!"

This person, with an unapproachable expression, is exactly like the kind of person who would say such things.

Zhou Zhilan whispered a reminder: "You're studying how to heal and save lives..."

"I am skilled in poisons." Shen Li said succinctly, her expression unchanged.

Gu Hua didn't know what to say, so she quickly tugged at Dong Hua, smiled at Shen Li, and the three of them walked towards Jinxiu Pavilion together.

Shen Li suddenly quickened his pace to catch up with Gu Hua and poured a green pill into her palm.

Gu Hua trusted her and ate it with a smile.

It has a refreshing sweetness with a slightly cool sensation, melts in your mouth, and is quite delicious.

A cool sensation surged up from my throat and straight to the top of my head.

After a short while, Gu Hua felt much better in her throat and tried to speak: "Hmm, ah, much better."

Gu Hua was pleasantly surprised.

Shen Li looked completely astonished.

The three arrived at the entrance of Jinxiu Pavilion.

Gu Hua paused in her steps.

After her rebirth, she faced the culprit who had stolen her life for the first time, and her anger surged uncontrollably.

I took a deep breath and went inside.

Jin Kui happened to lift the curtain and come out. Upon seeing her, she immediately retreated back into the room, but came out again a short while later.

"Aunt Pei has arrived, Second Miss, please go in."

Jin Kui started calling her Second Miss, whereas before she always addressed her by her given name.

Gu Hua felt a chill in her heart.

I wonder what this 'biological mother' and her fake elder sister are plotting now.

As Gu Hua entered, she heard Aunt Pei's sharp voice before she could even look up.

"You bitch, get inside right now!"

Donghua and Shen Li stared wide-eyed, their faces filled with disbelief.

Gu Hua walked in slowly.

Gu Wanru's eyes were red and swollen from crying, while Aunt Pei glared at her angrily.

Facing the culprit who stole her life, trampled her underfoot, and caused her tragic death, Gu Hua couldn't feign anything.

He looked indifferently at the two people in the room.

That pretty little face no longer had its usual humble and obedient expression, but instead a cold and aloof one. Aunt Pei's eyes immediately blazed with anger, and she stood up abruptly.

When Gu Wanru saw that a maid from the Duke's mansion was following them, she immediately grabbed her and said, choking back tears, "Auntie, please don't be angry. This is the Duke's mansion."

Aunt Pei knew she couldn't offend the people from the Duke's mansion.

Suppressing her anger, she said coldly, "Unrelated people are not allowed to come in. My daughter and I need to have a private conversation."