Chapter 327: He Can Only Blame His Bad Luck
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
The carriage stopped at the palace gate.
“Miss Gu, we have arrived at the palace,” the chief eunuch in charge of the decree announced with a smile.
Without the emperor’s permission, no one could ride in a carriage within the palace.
Gu Qingluan led her two sons out of the carriage.
They all wore masks, and although their appearances differed, they were generally of similar age, with strikingly handsome features that drew attention wherever they went.
The chief eunuch was surnamed Qin.
Eunuch Qin was an attendant by the side of Emperor Xuanzong, and he was also the godson of the Chief Eunuch Overseer, a person of extraordinary status.
While others might not know Feng Yuanxi’s identity, he was aware of it.
Originally, the emperor had only summoned Gu Qingluan, and the others were not supposed to go along.
But when Feng Yuanxi spoke up, Eunuch Qin, being mindful of Feng Yuanxi’s identity, had no choice but to let both children come.
As he conversed with Gu Qingluan, he secretly assessed Feng Yuanxi.
Rumors had it that the eldest son of the Royal Highness Lan had recognized Miss Gu as his mother, and it turned out to be true.
Furthermore, based on the present circumstances, it was evident that the young master had been completely won over by Miss Gu, treating her as if she were his own mother.
Miss Gu was truly remarkable.
With the Royal Highness Lan backing her from behind, it was no wonder she acted so recklessly, daring even to kill a prince.
The only question was whether the Royal Highness Lan would protect her to the end.
The Fifth Prince was not just one of the most outstanding princes; his maternal family’s power was formidable, and even the emperor had to show deference.
Miss Gu’s behavior had been quite radical this time; it remained to be seen if she could come out of this unscathed.
Eunuch Qin walked ahead, leading the way, with Gu Qingluan and her two sons following behind.
It was her first time entering the palace, but it wasn’t the first time for the original host.
As the legitimate eldest daughter of the Gu family, even though the original host was not favored by the family and was often subjected to ridicule, she occasionally received some invitations.
Certainly, all these invitations had to be approved by Wang Shi.
Wang Shi’s intention in having her attend these banquets wasn’t to help her socialize or make friends; it was to build her reputation as a “caring stepmother.” Later, Wang Shi planned to use her as a contrast to Gu Lingxue, boosting Gu Lingxue’s chances of advancing to a higher status.
In her memory, every banquet Gu Qingluan attended was never a pleasant experience.
Her last visit to the palace was to attend the birthday banquet of Noble Consort Shu.
Noble Consort Shu was the mother of the Fifth Prince.
At that time, she was still the fiancee of the Fifth Prince.
Considering both logic and emotions, Wang Shi had no choice but to allow her entry into the palace.
However, during that period, she was falsely accused within the palace, which led to her offending Noble Consort Shu. As a result, she not only received a slap from Noble Consort Shu but was also commanded to leave the palace and strictly prohibited from returning.
Merged with the memories of the original host, Gu Qingluan felt the same.
During that period, her heart was overwhelmed by the fear and anxiety of isolation and helplessness, coupled with the dread and shame of being looked down upon by her prospective mother-in-law.
Now, since she had personally killed the Fifth Prince, Noble Consort Shu must despise her to the core.
Gu Qingluan smiled with a raised lip, her expression calm, without a hint of worry or fear.
She was no longer the Gu Qingluan from the past, no longer obligated to seek approval from Noble Consort Shu, and no longer burdened with the fear of oppression.
If Noble Consort Shu has some sense, she can continue her role as a concubine in the palace without any disturbances. However, if she chooses to cross paths, there won’t be any mercy.
This was Gu Xiaonan’s first visit to the palace; prior to this, he had only gleaned information about it from books and others.
Upon entering the palace, his inquisitive gaze wandered in all directions.
The buildings were all square, perfectly balanced, lacking vibrancy and character.
Certainly not as captivating as their Island of No Return.
After a brief survey, his interest waned, and he pouted, remarking, “Mom, it’s too quiet in the palace, and there are hardly any people around. It’s not enjoyable at all.”
Gu Qingluan chuckled. “This place was never meant for amusement. It’s kept quiet to display the dignity of the emperor. If it were as noisy as a market, it would be disrespectful to the emperor.”
Gu Xiaonan suddenly realized. “Mother, you’re right! Let’s quickly meet the emperor and then go back. I still need to prepare medicine for the free clinic.”
Not long ago, they had talked about the details of the free clinic, and now he was brimming with enthusiasm, eager to demonstrate his abilities during the clinic.
Eunuch Qin listened to his innocent words and pondered whether they could depart after the meeting.
“Eunuch Qin, where is the emperor? How much longer do we have to walk?” Gu Xiaonan turned to ask him.
Eunuch Qin replied, “The emperor is in the study. It will take about another quarter of an hour to get there.”
Gu Xiaonan puffed up his cheeks. “That’s too long.”
Qin Gonggong smiled. “The palace is vast, Young Master Gu will get used to it in the future.”
As for whether there would be a future, that remained to be seen.
Inside a palace building, the Third Princess watched from a distance as a group of individuals strolled across the Taihe Hall square, her brow furrowing in concern. “Why is Gu Qingluan accompanied by two children? Wasn’t she known to have only one son?”
Once Wang Shi uncovered Gu Xiaonan’s real identity, Gu Qingluan didn’t conceal her son’s status any longer. It became common knowledge that the eldest daughter of the Gu family, who had reappeared after five years of absence, had returned with a son in tow.
The palace maid next to the Third Princess also found it strange. “Could it be the Gu’s family child?”
The Third Princess sneered. “With Gu Qingluan’s relationship with the Gu family, unless the Gu family has gone insane, it’s impossible for them to entrust a child to her.”
“Well, since he’s with Gu Qingluan, he can only blame himself for being unlucky. Spread the word, let’s deal with them together..”