TFWYH – Chapter 819 A Glimmer of Hope

Even someone as foolish as Gu Xiyan understood that now that things had escalated this far, there could be no simple resolution.

Today, she had only two possible outcomes.

Either she entered the Crown Prince’s residence…

Or she returned home.

If she entered the Crown Prince’s residence, she still had a glimmer of hope.

But if she went home, she was as good as dead.

Chancellor Gu would never tolerate a granddaughter who had brought disgrace upon the family.

He would certainly force her to die to atone for her shame.

Fortunately, Tang Wan had no idea what she was thinking.

If she had known, she would have scoffed.

Going home means death? But going to a man’s house means you’ll live? What kind of logic is that?

Huangfu Xiao was infamous for his ruthlessness.

After suffering such a humiliating setback today, how could he possibly let the matter rest?

If Gu Xiyan got her wish and entered the Crown Prince’s residence, Tang Wan was certain this foolish girl wouldn’t survive even half a month before conveniently dying in some “accident.”

On the other hand, returning home at least offered a slim chance of survival.

Although Huangfu Xiao would almost certainly find a way to eliminate this troublesome fool, the Chancellor’s residence wasn’t exactly lacking in capable guards.

As long as Gu Xiyan remained cautious, she might still keep her life.

After all, Huangfu Xiao was the kind of man who could even bring himself to murder a month-old infant.

How could he possibly spare the woman who had caused him such public humiliation?

What a waste.

She had started with every advantage imaginable…

…yet managed to ruin everything with her own hands.

Truly impressive.

Remembering Su Qing’s plan that Ling Yu had explained to her on the way over, Tang Wan brushed Gu Xiyan’s hands away.

She glanced toward the doorway before lowering her voice.

“Aunt He already made it very clear just now.”

“‘Heaven has willed it so.'”

“Don’t you understand yet?”

“In this palace… who can be called Heaven?”

Gu Xiyan froze.

Then, as if realizing something, every trace of color drained from her face.

Her whole body trembled, terror filling her eyes.

“You mean… His Majesty… he… he…”

“Exactly.”

Tang Wan impatiently cut her off, speaking rapidly.

“At this point, no one cares what the truth actually is. It isn’t important anymore.”

“The only thing that matters is the Emperor’s attitude.”

“And it’s obvious he’s protecting the Crown Prince.”

“No matter how much you make a scene, it won’t change anything.”

“Then… what should I do?”

“I’m doomed…”

“I’m doomed…”

“Waaah…”

Gu Xiyan burst into frightened sobs.

She regretted everything.

She truly regretted it.

She never should have stirred up so much trouble from the very beginning.

She had been the cherished daughter of the Chancellor’s household.

Born into wealth.

Born into privilege.

How had she ended up like this?

Seeing that she had finally calmed down enough to listen, Tang Wan softened her tone.

“I’ll only ask you one question.”

“Do you want to die… or do you want to live?”

“If you want to die, then go ahead.”

“Don’t worry. Since you’ve offended the ruthless Crown Prince, he definitely won’t spare you.”

“But if you want to live, you’ll have to do exactly as I say.”

“Otherwise, not even the immortals will be able to save you.”

“You… you have a way to save me?”

Gu Xiyan immediately forgot about crying.

She looked at Tang Wan with hopeful yet anxious eyes that shone with desperate anticipation.

Tang Wan nodded.

“I’m going to insert a few acupuncture needles.”

“Now come closer and listen carefully…”

…

Only a short while later, Tang Wan emerged from the inner chamber.

When the Emperor asked for her findings, her answer was exactly the same as Aunt He’s.

Upon hearing this, the Empress secretly let out a long sigh of relief.

Good.

This time Tang Wan had shown enough sense not to interfere.

However…

For the sake of Huangfu Xiao’s reputation, Gu Xiyan could not be allowed to live.

Thinking this, the Empress quietly cast a glance toward Chancellor Gu.

Almost imperceptibly, Chancellor Gu gave a slight nod.

When he looked at Gu Xiyan again, a flash of murderous intent flickered through his eyes.

Unfortunately for them…

They relaxed far too soon.

After giving her report, Tang Wan hesitated, looking troubled.

“However…”

“However what?”

The Emperor frowned and asked directly,

“Wan-niang, just speak plainly.”

“When did you start hemming and hawing like those ministers?”