Peerless Physician: The Path of a Foolish Eldest Daughter's Rise to Power

In the Gu residence, servants and maids were busy decorating the courtyard. Although it wasn't very festive, everyone was happy. It was nice to be able to decorate the courtyard a little, as they hadn't done so in the past two years.

Suddenly, the Prefect of the Capital arrested people at the Gu residence. This was because Gu Bai and two other students had been humiliating Qu Yuan, the eldest son of Qu Zheng, the Vice Minister of Works, at the Imperial Academy. Qu Yuan had become so distraught that he lost his appetite, was constantly in a daze, and acted strangely. Qu Zheng, after investigating, was furious, never expecting his son to suffer such humiliation at the Imperial Academy. In a fit of anger, he reported Gu Bai and the other two students to the Prefect of the Capital.

Upon investigation, the Prefect of the Capital quickly discovered that Qu Zheng's account was true, and he went to the Marquis of Changning's residence to arrest him.

Gu Sicheng was furious when he heard this. This unfilial son just wouldn't let anyone have a moment's peace, and he wouldn't even let the Marquis's mansion have a quiet New Year's Eve.

When Gu Sicheng arrived, the Prefect of the Capital was already waiting in the front hall with his men.

"I have been ordered to arrest Gu Bai. I ask that you, Lord Gu, do not obstruct me," said the Prefect of the Capital.

"My lord, is there some misunderstanding? My son may be a bit mischievous, but he wouldn't do something so outrageous," Gu Sicheng said with a forced smile.

"Hmph, misunderstanding? Lord Qu has already presented the evidence to me. You'd better hand over Gu Bai obediently," the Prefect of the Capital said with a serious expression.

After the Prefect of the Capital recounted what had happened, Gu Sicheng felt both angry and anxious. However, he knew that he couldn't act impulsively at this moment, otherwise things would only get worse.

He took a deep breath and said to the Prefect of the Capital, "Your Excellency, my son has committed a grave error, and as his father, I am responsible. However, please give me some time, and I will certainly give Lord Qu an explanation."

After some thought, the Prefect of the Capital granted Gu Sicheng's request. After all, the Gu family was a prominent family in the capital, and pushing them too hard might lead to trouble.

At this moment, Qingdong appeared and whispered in Gu Sicheng's ear, "The Marquis hopes that the young master will not disregard the law."

Gu Sicheng knew that the Marquis would not protect his grandson, so he could only say, "I'm sorry about earlier. Since you are acting in accordance with the law, I will not stop you. Take your men."

The butler led people to Xuanran Residence, where Gu Bai was happily playing with the birds.

The butler led his men into the room and, upon seeing Gu Bai, respectfully said, "Young Master, the Prefect of the Capital wants to take you away. Please come with us." Gu Bai's face turned deathly pale upon hearing this. He looked at the butler in terror, his body trembling uncontrollably.

"No, I won't go! I didn't do anything wrong, why are you arresting me?" Gu Bai tried to resist.

However, his resistance was futile. The butler gestured for the servants behind him to step forward and take Gu Bai away.

Gu Bai was forcibly taken out of the Gu residence, his eyes filled with despair and fear. He didn't know what punishment he would face, and his heart was filled with unease.

When Aunt Yu learned of this, regardless of whether she was confined to her quarters, she went directly to the First Madam's Jade Pavilion to plead for Gu Bai's life.

The first wife was furious. Knowing her husband well, she knew he wouldn't let anyone take Gu Bai away in a big way, as that would make the Gu family lose face.

Is that the Marquis? I didn't expect the Marquis to find a way to correct Gu Bai and not miss any opportunity to educate him.

The First Madam shook her head helplessly. She told Aunt Yu that although it was her husband's order, it was the Marquis's will.

The First Madam knew the Marquis's character well, and her pleas were useless.

When Aunt Yu learned of the Marquis's attitude, she cried uncontrollably, but to no avail.

Such an unexpected event occurred. Although the confinement of Aunt Yu and Aunt Gui had been lifted, the New Year's Eve dinner was still gloomy and oppressive, making it hard to breathe.

Apart from Gu Xinyue, everyone silently chewed their food, as if it were an unspeakable bitter taste. The whole scene was so quiet that only the occasional soft clinking of chopsticks and bowls could be heard, like a sad elegy lingering over this once cheerful dining table.

Gu Xinyue adhered to the principle of enjoying food to the fullest and savored each dish carefully.

Gu Xinyao watched Gu Xinyue eat inside and outside the mansion without any restraint, and she felt a little envious.

With Gu Rui in his left hand and Gu Hui in his right, Gu Hao set off a few firecrackers in the yard before leading them back into the house.

At this moment, the house was quiet and peaceful, with the family sitting together preparing to stay up all night. The adults sat silently, and the children also obediently quieted down, filling the room with a tranquil and solemn atmosphere.

However, at this special moment, Ms. Zhu broke the silence. She took a deep breath, smiled, and said to her family, "The new year is coming soon, let's make a wish together!"

Upon hearing this, the family members all looked up, their eyes shining with hope. They clasped their hands together, closed their eyes, and silently made their wishes.

In that instant, time seemed to freeze, and only the most sincere wishes from the depths of everyone's hearts flowed in the air.

Peace returned, and everyone enjoyed this rare tranquility and warmth.

As night deepened, the Gu family members gradually returned to their rooms to rest. Gu Xinyue lay in bed, tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep. This New Year's Eve was nothing like she had imagined.

She thought about what had happened during the day. Gu Bai had led the way in bullying his classmates, which was very wrong, but Gu Bai couldn't stay in jail forever.

Qu Yuan's depression is serious, and Gu Bai probably won't be able to get out. How can depression be cured? Only when Gu Bai is cured can he get out.

Gu Xinyue thought of many solutions, and before she knew it, it was past midnight.

Suddenly, a dark figure appeared in front of the bed. She was startled. The guards of the Marquis's mansion were doing a good job. Why was someone coming into her room?

"Don't be afraid, it's me."

"How did you get in? The guards didn't catch you."

“Your manor is indeed well-guarded, but I am here now because it is when their defenses are at their weakest.”

He had wanted to see Gu Xinyue several times, but he hadn't been able to come in. This was the first time he had come in. Next time, he would come in at this time, and no one would notice.

Are you sure no one has noticed you?

"Don't come here again. I'd be utterly humiliated if my grandfather found out."

"It won't be discovered, do you want me to swear?"

"If you walk by the river often, you're bound to get your shoes wet. If you come, your grandfather will eventually find out. Then I'll be seen as shameless. Is that what you wanted?"

"No, I brought you a New Year's gift. Here you go."

Chu Yize placed a small red ribbon in Gu Xinyue's hand. When their hands touched, Gu Xinyue felt that he was very cold, so she gave Chu Yize her hand warmer. Chu Yize felt that waiting outside for an hour was worthwhile, and Xinyue felt sorry for him.

"The gift has been delivered. You should go back now. If you need anything in the future, have your people contact Xia He. We can meet outside, but you are not allowed to come here again."

Chu Yize was somewhat reluctant, but there was plenty of time in the future. He had just stepped out of the Lingmeng Pavilion courtyard when a voice came, "Third Prince, come with us."

Inside the room, Gu Xinyue, clutching the silver, quickly drifted off to sleep.