FBC – Chapter 38 Scumbag Father

Madam Wang’s expression changed drastically upon hearing that.

Gu Hua wasn’t wrong.

But since it involved Concubine Pei, it could only be handled by Gu Yuan.

Understanding her mother’s hesitation, Gu Hua lowered her voice and said, “Mother, take this chance to set things right. You should take the lead in cleaning up the inner residence of the marquis’ manor.”

Madam Wang realized it was a good opportunity.

Did she not want to reclaim the dignity of the household matron?

But tomorrow was the day Concubine Pei would collect the monthly silver from the Concubine Pei family.

Whenever that day approached each month, Concubine Pei became especially favored and strutted around with arrogance.

Seeing her mother hesitate, Gu Hua immediately let tears fall. “Mother, if something happens to me tonight, I won’t be able to go to the Duke’s manor tomorrow. The three girls from the Zhou family witnessed it all, and this matter can’t be concealed within the marquis’ manor.”

Madam Wang’s face changed.

“Granny Zhou, quickly go see if the marquis has arrived.”

Before Granny Zhou could step out, the sound of approaching footsteps came from outside.

Gu Yuan entered the courtyard with Concubine Pei.

“What now?”

Woken up in the dead of night, Gu Yuan was full of rage.

The moment Concubine Pei saw the sixth servant tied up like a dumpling, she rushed forward and cursed at him, pointing at his nose.

“You wicked creature! I told you to prepare the carriage for tomorrow. I was going to take Miss Hua to collect the silver from the Pei family, and you dared to get possessed by lust and insult my Hua girl! I’ll skin you alive, fry your flesh, and pull out your tendons!”

At first, the servant thought Concubine Pei was his savior. His eyes widened as he whimpered pitifully.

But as her scolding rained down on him, he froze. In that instant, he realized she intended to silence him permanently—burn the bridge after crossing it.

He struggled fiercely, trying to crawl toward Concubine Pei.

She quickly stepped back and waved her hand. Two young male servants came forward, grabbed him by the arms, and dragged him away.

Gu Hua’s eyes turned cold.

She knelt before Gu Yuan, face full of grievance, and spoke rapidly, “Father, the residence is locked at Hai hour (9–11 p.m.). He’s merely an outer courtyard groom—how could he get in? The guest wing is rarely occupied, and when it is, it’s by distinguished guests. How would he know it was me staying there and not a noble guest? How dare a servant assault a guest of the marquis’ manor? Every point leads to a dead end. Is he not afraid of death?”

Gu Yuan’s anger flared.

He had intended to downplay the situation.

It was just a concubine-born daughter, along with a few servants from the Duke’s manor. Did it really require him, the mighty Marquis, to personally intervene and elevate the matter?

If this blew up, it would disgrace the entire household. Who would that benefit?

He frowned and looked at her. “What are you trying to say?”

Madam Wang gathered her courage and said, “Marquis, Hua girl is right. If we don’t investigate thoroughly and something similar happens again, there are still two unmarried girls in the manor.”

Gu Yuan shot a sharp glare at Madam Wang.

Her heart sank.

She knew he hated airing the household’s dirty laundry for outsiders to see.

Seeing Madam Wang back down, Gu Hua said nothing more.

Meeting her father’s eyes, she saw clearly what he was thinking.

This father of hers was, as always, selfish and indifferent to her.

In his mind, compared to the financial support Concubine Pei brought, she was just a pawn—only valuable when useful, discarded when not.

Gu Hua suddenly let out a cold chuckle.

If that was the case, then she would take a different route.

If one day Gu Yuan personally cast Concubine Pei aside, how would that woman react?

Gu Hua lowered her head in false grievance. “Father, I’ll leave it to your judgment.”

Gu Yuan’s furrowed brow relaxed—now that’s more like it.

His tone softened. “Don’t worry. Father will make it right for you.”

Then he turned to Concubine Pei and said coldly, “Beat him to death on the spot and dump the body at the mass grave for the dogs.”

As expected, Gu Yuan wouldn’t do anything to Concubine Pei.

Gu Hua glanced at Madam Wang, feeling sorry for her birth mother. She should’ve been the respected lady of the household, but instead, she was ignored by her husband and suppressed by a concubine.

Life must’ve been hard for her.

Gu Hua’s heart ached. She gripped her handkerchief tightly.

“Yes, Marquis,” came the response.

Concubine Pei couldn’t hide her smugness. She waved her handkerchief at Granny Lu, who turned to carry out the order.

Gu Hua asked softly, “Didn’t you say you were going to take me to see my cousin from the Pei family tomorrow?”

“Yes, of course.”

Concubine Pei turned and took her hand affectionately. “Your grandparents often ask about you. Your cousin brought a lot of gifts for you. Once you meet, you can return to the Duke’s manor afterward.”

“Alright.”

Concubine Pei raised her brows—so obedient?

“Have a good rest.” Gu Yuan couldn’t be bothered any longer and left.

Concubine Pei quickly followed.

Madam Wang looked apologetic. “Hua’er…”

Gu Hua, feeling distressed for her, comforted her, “Mother, I’m alright. Go rest early.”

As the large crowd dispersed, Zhou Zhilan fumed, “This is too much! Why did you give in?”

Gu Hua’s eyes dimmed.

“If even my parents won’t stand up for me, there’s no use fighting alone.”

“A servant dares to bully Miss, and it’s just brushed aside?” Dong Hua waved her fist angrily.

Her knuckles itched earlier. She’d wanted so badly to punch that so-called father.

“Of course, it won’t be brushed aside…”

Zhou Zhilan looked at Gu Hua, whose voice had suddenly turned cold.

The girl sat bathed in candlelight. Her skin was smooth as jade, her features delicate, a girl who once looked so soft and fragile now had a resolute gaze—it was as if she’d become a different person.

Suddenly, Zhou Zhilan no longer thought Gu Hua was as weak as she appeared.

The next morning.

While Gu Hua was eating breakfast, Granny Lu arrived.

“Second Miss, the carriage is waiting outside. Please come with me when you’re ready.”

Gu Hua glanced at her. “Did Concubine Pei really let me go meet my cousin?”

“Of course! Why wouldn’t she?” Granny Lu smiled sweetly.

Cousin from the Pei family?

Concubine Pei had always guarded against her like she was a thief, especially when it came to her cousin. She never let Gu Hua get close, afraid the Pei family heir would fall for her.

Gu Hua smiled faintly. “I’ll go after breakfast.”

“Concubine prepared food for you. You should come quickly.”

Food?

Was something added to it?

Gu Hua’s smile faded. “What, you don’t understand me?”

Granny Lu was startled by her sudden change of tone, but quickly forced a smile. “I understand.”

Concubine Pei had instructed not to alarm her—just get her into the carriage.

“What tricks are they playing now? This is never-ending!” Zhou Zhilan was annoyed.

Gu Hua calmly sipped her porridge.

Concubine Pei was desperate to destroy her. If one plan failed, she’d think of another—all to keep her from returning to the Duke’s manor and threatening her own daughter’s future.

Just after breakfast, Granny Zhou from Madam Wang’s side came over.

She handed Gu Hua a small wooden box. “Madam said, this banknote was a gift from the Duke’s manor. You should keep it for yourself.”

Gu Hua looked at the box containing 1,000 taels of silver, her heart both aching and full.

“Granny Zhou, please give this back to mother. Consider it my filial piety. I hope she takes care of herself.”

She handed it back.

Gu Hua knew her mother was living a difficult life. With this silver, perhaps things would be a little easier.

Granny Zhou looked at this thoughtful and caring concubine-born girl, not knowing what to say.

Even the eldest daughter wasn’t this filial. If only Second Miss were the madam’s own daughter…

Granny Zhou seemed like she wanted to say something but held back. With a sigh, she left.

Before long, Granny Lu returned again to urge her.

“Is Concubine Pei rushing because she’s afraid Manager Zhou might come?”

Gu Hua’s words made Granny Lu’s face stiffen. “Concubine has only good intentions. She wants you to meet the eldest young master of the Pei family.”

Good intentions? From her?

Just then, one of Gu Yuan’s trusted servants rushed over.

“Second Miss, the Marquis requests your presence in the front hall.”

Gu Hua stood up. “Alright.”

She’d been waiting for Zhou Chunyu.

Sure enough, at the front hall, Zhou Chunyu had brought what she wanted—Gu Wanru’s servant record papers.

Suppressing the excitement in her heart, she walked forward and greeted her father and Madam Wang, who sat in the main seats.

Concubine Pei was kneeling on the ground, weeping.

“Daughter greets Father and Mother.”

Gu Yuan’s face was as dark as the bottom of a pot. He sat stiffly, silent.

Madam Wang gently said, “Get up. Let’s talk sitting down.”

Gu Hua obediently sat.

Madam Wang glanced at Gu Yuan. “Marquis, how should we handle this? Forging the household seal and creating fake servant records—this is—”

“It’s a family matter. Do you intend to blow it out of proportion? As the matron, if you can’t even control a concubine, what kind of reputation will that bring you? People will mock you behind your back.”

Gu Yuan abruptly cut her off.

Madam Wang was stifled with frustration, her face pale.

Gu Hua felt the same sting and her eyes reddened.

Gu Yuan shot Concubine Pei a sharp glare. “Concubine Pei was muddleheaded. Dock half a year’s stipend and send her to kneel in the ancestral hall for half a day.”

Gu Hua looked coldly at her father.

So—being tricked, nearly assaulted, and forced into servant status—was dismissed with a single sentence?

The person who nearly ruined her life… just gets off scot-free?