Mrs. Zhou showed no change in her expression after hearing these words, nor did she show excitement.

Princess Yuanhua was slightly taken aback, looking at her in confusion. "Aunt, is it because you are still worried about Uncle’s issues? The matters are in the past, what’s the point of worrying about them now? As I see it, it’s better to act as planned. Once we bring down the Gu Mansion, the grudge we bear will be avenged."

Mrs. Zhou finally spoke, "Yuanhua, you’re not a child anymore. There are things you should understand, and they are not as you imagine. So don’t dwell on them anymore. Since you’ve married into the Gu Mansion, focus on living well there. If you take good care of yourself, that’s more important than anything else. Don’t always think about other matters. When you had the chance to think, you didn’t, and now that things have become like this, don’t dwell on it. Do you understand what I’m saying? Yuanhua, I know you’re smart, so let go of what’s in the past. After all, the past is the past. Your uncle is getting on in age, and your cousin is gone. The family is already in disarray. I hope for nothing more than the safety of the family."

Princess Yuanhua’s face turned pale. "Aunt, this is the only chance for my brother and mother to rise again. If we give up, what will they do? Without Uncle’s help, who else would assist them? I understand your thoughts, but as long as we turn the tables, we won’t have to live like this any longer."

"Enough, Yuanhua, you don’t need to say more. I don’t want to hear it anymore. The Holy Emperor has made clear his intentions; he has always favored the Crown Prince and never thought of replacing him, so stop these futile thoughts. Today, I will pretend you never came. Go back now. In the future, continue to consider this your uncle’s house, but don’t talk about these matters again. I don’t want to hear it." Mrs. Zhou stood up, "You are with child; it’s best you return early, and don’t let the people at Gu Mansion worry."

Princess Yuanhua’s face turned completely white. She never expected this outcome after coming here. She looked at the person in disbelief but then sneered, "Aunt, after enjoying years of comfort, you now say such things. If you truly want to be strong, then show it, instead of pretending, making others look down on you."

"Yuanhua, is this the tone you use to speak to your elders? Our Zhou Mansion benefitted from your mother’s kindness before, but we also did much in return. Do you really think your mother reached that position on her own? Over the years, our house has constantly run around for your brother’s matters, but look at what the family has become now? What more do you expect from us? Shall we risk our lives?"

"Enough, let’s not say more." A low, muffled voice came from outside as Mr. Zhou entered. He appeared much older compared to before, his back hunched. "Yuanhua, I understand your thoughts, but your aunt is right. I am old and can’t afford to struggle anymore. You being well is better than anything, perhaps even better for you. That Gu Er may not accomplish much, but he won’t mistreat you. Be good, go back early, and don’t let the people in Gu Mansion worry."

Princess Yuanhua lost the earlier sharpness she had with Mrs. Zhou, now with reddened eyes. "Uncle, what about my mother and brother?"

"Silly child, they will be fine as long as they don’t covet what doesn’t belong to them." Mr. Zhou patted her shoulder. "Take care."

But he said nothing more, turning to leave.

Mrs. Zhou also paid her no mind and left.

Staring at the empty living room, Princess Yuanhua felt a chill all over. Knowing it was futile to stay longer, she had no choice but to leave.

When Princess Yuanhua returned to the mansion, she seemed struck by a blow. Gu Er paid her no attention, focused only on his own matters, pondering how to swallow his pride.

Especially when it came to the child in Princess Yuanhua’s belly, Gu Er’s gaze turned somber. He had summoned Gu Chaoxuan, who was already aware of what had transpired at the Marquis Mansion, though he pretended otherwise. Upon hearing Gu Er wanted to see him, he knew what it was about.

Gu Chaoxuan had been waiting for this. He had already made his calculations, so upon reaching Gu Er’s residence and seeing his grim face, he began with a smile, "Uncle, did Father scold you? Judging by your look, I guess I wasn’t wrong, was I? In his lifetime, has Father ever let anyone outmaneuver him? When he sets his mind on something, who can stop him? Brooding here only causes yourself distress."

Gu Er took a sip of wine. "You’re right there, but what do you think I should do?"

"What to do? Naturally, carry on being the second master of the Marquis Mansion and let Father handle his side of things." Gu Chaoxuan picked up the wine pot, pouring it for him, "Uncle, don’t forget the ultimate goal. Nothing before that truly matters."

"Don’t worry, I understand all this. There’s no need for you to remind me." Being lectured by his junior, Gu Er felt a little slighted. "I called you over today to tell you, Mrs. Kong has said some things in the mansion, which have started raising suspicions from your father. How do you think we should handle this?"

"Handle this? It’s strange indeed. The child Mrs. Kong carries is Uncle’s, so what’s there to handle?" Gu Chaoxuan lowered his gaze, "Or does Uncle also think the child isn’t yours?"

"How could that be?" Gu Er slammed a hand on the table. "The thing I hate most in life is such matters. Where did you get that medicine before? Get me some more." 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

Gu Chaoxuan smiled faintly, "So that’s what it is. That’s easily resolved. Tomorrow I’ll have someone bring the medicine over to the mansion. But should I also find a few more good-looking ones?"

"You don’t need to concern yourself with that." Gu Er’s face was stern.

Gu Chaoxuan agreed respectfully, not saying much more, nor showing displeasure. After leaving that day, he had the medicine sent to the mansion the next day.

With the medicine in hand from Gu Chaoxuan, Gu Er thought about the child in Princess Yuanhua’s womb. After taking the medicine, Princess Yuanhua became pregnant shortly after. The thing he hated most in his life was being cuckolded.

So he wanted to try it out.

While Gu Er was in a daze holding the medicine, Princess Yuanhua walked in, seeing the medicine in his hand, her face darkened, "What are you planning to do with that?"