FBC – Chapter 109 Sister, I’m Here

When Mu Junyan heard from Zhou Chunyu that Gu Hua had agreed, his face showed no emotion, but his fingers tightened slightly as they rubbed the glazed surface of the teacup.

After a moment, he finally put the cup down.

“Proceed as originally planned—tomorrow. The guest list for the banquet will be distributed according to your arrangement. All the main members of the Gu family must be invited. Also, send an invitation to the Wang family of Langya. Don’t push it—if they come, they come. If not, we’ll speak of it later.”

“Yes, sir.”

Zhou Chunyu was a little surprised. Why invite the Wang family of Langya?

“After the wedding, make sure the Gu family members stay behind. Prepare everything that needs to be prepared. It’s time to return certain things to that little girl.”

Zhou Chunyu was even more shocked but quickly understood—this was about seeking justice for Gu Hua.

When Gu Hua woke up, the room was already filled with various trunks. Dong Hua and Dong Qing, along with two newly appointed maids, were organizing everything.

She sat up with a bewildered expression. Before she could ask, Dong Hua and the others noticed she was awake.

“Miss, you’re awake. Wash up and have your lunch first. After that, we’ll try on all the newly made dresses and jewelry.”

Dong Hua excitedly helped her out of bed.

Gu Hua widened her eyes. “This much?”

“This is already not much. Because of the tight schedule, only two ceremonial outfits and five winter garments were finished. The spring, summer, and autumn ones are still in the making.”

Gu Hua clicked her tongue.

The trunks packed the room to the brim.

So… the concubine reception ceremony was going to be public?

But no one had explained the ceremony to her in detail yet, and she didn’t dare to assume. What if she was just imagining things?

Still concerned about visiting the old madam, Gu Hua shook her head. “I’ll just eat a little and go pay my respects to the old madam. I don’t know if she knows about my abduction. I don’t want her to worry.”

Dong Hua nodded. “That’s good. The old madam has been worried about you.”

Gu Hua quickly finished her lunch, checked her makeup, and went to Xiangrui Hall.

When the old madam heard Gu Hua had come, her face lit up with a smile and she reached out her hand. “Good child, come here quickly.”

Gu Hua was astonished by the clear, spirited look in the old madam’s eyes.

Yiniang smiled. “The old madam’s dementia has been cured.”

Gu Hua was overjoyed and stepped forward quickly, kneeling in greeting. “Gu Hua greets the old madam.”

The old madam pulled her up with surprising strength.

“No need for that.”

She looked her over from head to toe, then turned her hand over to inspect it. “Good child, you’ve suffered. Sit down.”

Gu Hua’s eyes reddened.

She had never imagined that, after being kidnapped as a woman and then returning, what she’d receive would not be scorn or blame, but even more warmth and care.

This family treated her even better than blood relatives.

Gu Hua obediently sat beside the old madam, eyes full of filial affection.

“Tomorrow is the wedding. Don’t be nervous. Although Yan’er looks a bit rough, he’s got a good heart. If he dares bully you, come tell me. I’ll give him a good beating.”

Only then did Gu Hua realize—she was really going to be received tomorrow.

Moved by the old madam’s protectiveness, Gu Hua also wanted to laugh but held it in.

She couldn’t help leaning her head on the old madam’s shoulder, speaking in a soft, sweet voice, “Hua’er isn’t afraid. Hua’er has you to protect her.”

The old madam’s heart melted, and she smiled joyfully. “Yes, yes, don’t be afraid of him.”

Though she was to be a concubine, she could feel the whole Duke’s Estate genuinely accepting her. It brought her a sense of peace.

Her only regret was not being able to acknowledge her mother before becoming a concubine.

She wondered—would her mother resent her for her status?

With bittersweet feelings, Gu Hua left Xiangrui Hall and looked toward Jinxiu Pavilion.

It was time to visit her dear sister.

Returning to her room, Gu Hua changed into a lavish ruqun, carefully applied her makeup, and headed to Jinxiu Pavilion with Dong Hua and Dong Qing.

Unexpectedly, she ran into Mu Junyan on the way.

She paused, looked up at him.

After their time at the hot spring villa last night, something between them felt different.

Before, she had seduced him with a sense of disdain for her own actions—feeling nothing for him.

But now, her heart was pounding, and her face felt hot.

Mu Junyan glanced at her and asked blandly, “Going to Jinxiu Pavilion?”

“Mm.”

“I’ll come with you.”

Gu Hua blinked, staring at his tall back as he walked ahead.

He was going with her to Jinxiu Pavilion?

“Keep up.”

He didn’t look back.

Gu Hua snapped out of it and quickly lifted her skirt to catch up.

Just then, he stopped and turned to look at her, as though waiting.

She hurriedly dropped her skirt and walked in small steps to his side.

Only when she was half a step away did Mu Junyan resume walking, maintaining that distance.

Gu Hua felt warmth in her heart—he was adjusting his pace for her.

Gu Wanru hadn’t slept all night. Like a caged beast, she wanted to smash everything in the room out of frustration.

But after exhausting herself, she realized—no one cared.

She had broken many things lately. In the past, whenever she did, the estate would quickly replace them. But now…

She slumped onto the bed, devastated. The room was nearly empty. No vases, just one remaining flying goose lamp. She didn’t dare smash that one.

One bed curtain had been ripped down and shredded—only one side remained.

She couldn’t understand. Why, despite all her efforts to be the perfect young madam of the Duke’s Estate, did everything go wrong?

Jinkui was dead. The other dowry maids were forbidden to attend her. The estate had not sent new maids—just someone to deliver meals on time.

Food was not lacking, but the hopeless feeling of being imprisoned was unbearable.

As Gu Hua and Mu Junyan approached the gates of Jinxiu Pavilion, Gu Hua suddenly quickened her steps and gently tugged his sleeve.

Mu Junyan stopped and looked down at her wrapped hand, where five delicate fingers curled anxiously.

“What is it?”

“I… my legs feel a little weak,” she whispered shyly, stealing a glance at him before quickly lowering her eyes.

Mu Junyan tugged the corner of his mouth. Such a childish gesture.

She wanted to put on a show for Gu Wanru.

At this point, a little indulgence wouldn’t hurt.

Mu Junyan took her hand and hooked it around his arm. “Would you like to hold onto me while we walk?”

Gu Hua’s ears turned red again. Guilt rose in her heart for using him.

She softly murmured an assent and wrapped both arms around his.

Then looked up with a bashful smile.

Such a little thing.

Full of little tricks.

Mu Junyan couldn’t help but curve his lips into a smile.

Inside, Gu Wanru heard the courtyard gate and rushed to the bed, seeing the ever-dignified father-in-law walking in side by side with that little slut—arm in arm.

The little slut was alive!

If Gu Hua found out it was her who had tricked her and pushed her out to die in her place…

Gu Hua was no longer under her control—she would never cover for her again.

Her father-in-law had even locked up his own daughter-in-law for her sake. The entire Duke’s Estate now revolved around this little slut.

Was there any future left for her?

Gu Wanru’s mind was a mess. She gripped her handkerchief tightly, nearly tearing it.

But in front of Mu Junyan, she couldn’t afford to lose again.

She stepped forward and curtsied with a wronged expression. “Daughter-in-law greets Father.”

Gu Hua’s hand was still hooked around Mu Junyan’s arm. She simply nodded lightly at her. “Sister, I’m relieved to see you safe and sound.”

Gu Wanru’s face stiffened.

That soft, harmless smile—yet the body language and words were blatant provocation.

Gu Wanru forced herself to hold back, repeating in her mind not to lose control.

She smiled faintly. “Sister was terribly worried for you. I didn’t sleep a wink last night. I only regret being unable to protect you. But now that you’re back, that’s all that matters.”

Gu Hua smiled softly.

Did Gu Wanru know that the entire outside world thought she had been kidnapped?

For a noblewoman, being abducted—even if her family forgave her—would damage her reputation and chastity.

If Gu Wanru knew, could she still stand here so calmly?

“Sit and speak.”

Mu Junyan, who had remained silent, suddenly spoke.

Gu Hua glanced at him shyly, her tone turning gentle with a hint of coquettishness. “Thank you, Lord.”

Gu Wanru’s eyes widened.

Her father-in-law had ignored all propriety—letting her concubine sister sit in her presence!

Gu Hua sat, her hand still in Mu Junyan’s, looking up at Gu Wanru’s cracking expression.

She said apologetically, “Please forgive my impropriety, Sister. I nearly lost my life last night. The Duke risked his life to save me and got slightly injured in the process.”

A few simple words, spoken softly, were enough to stir a storm.

As she spoke, her body naturally leaned toward Mu Junyan.

Gu Wanru’s face was on the verge of collapse.