Rebirth of the Excellent Daughter of the Marquis Household (REDMH) - Chapter 30

Gu Huai Zhong and the Rouran people had fought for half a lifetime. Since he was a soldier up until he became the Ding Yuan Marquis, countless Rouran people had died at his hands and he was despised by the Rouran people.

When he saw the faces of the two masked men in black, his heart sank.

If Gu Si Yang and Gu Si Yu really fell into the hands of Rouran assassins, then it would be really bad luck.

He tried hard to stabilise his mind and not let himself crumble. Holding the icy tree trunk with one hand, he said to the guard beside him, “Report to the Madam. This Marquis will continue to look.” Even if he had to dig three feet into the ground, he had to find them.

He leaned over and checked the two dead men in black. They had died of poison. Both of them had been hit with an unknown hidden weapon and the wound had already turned black. The hidden weapon had already been taken out and it could not be discerned what it had been. From the wound, it just looked like a flying needle. If it were not for the black and purple bruise from the wound, it would have been difficult to spot where the needle had pierced.

The two guards received Gu Huai Zhong’s order and ran back to the inn. They told Liang-shi what they had just seen.

Gu Yu Qi was also present and Liang-shi did not stop her. The more Gu Yu Qi listened, the more deeply her brows furrowed.

She had never experienced these things in her previous life. It made her feel really strange. Had her rebirth completely changed everything that was supposed to have happened and let things happen that should not have happened?

She tried her best to recall the experiences from her previous life.

After the Rouran had been defeated, it is indeed like a thief’s heart that would not die. After a few years of silence they had gone south. That was why Du Xia had the opportunity to gain achievements and make a career. However, at that time in the capital, she had not heard of the Rouran blatantly abducting the nobles of the Qi dynasty, especially her nominal younger brother and younger sister.

The current time period was only a little over a year away from the Rouran’s defeat. They had not fully recuperated so they should not have made such a rash move.

After years of fighting with the Rouran, the Qi dynasty and the Rouran had been heavily expended. Even His Majesty the current emperor had been once taken captive by the Rouran but fortunately, that cheap scumbag had rescued him and became a Marquis.

Was it really the Rouran targeting the Marquis for kidnapping?

On the surface, it made sense. After all, the Rouran hated Gu Yu Qi’s grandfather and father the most in the Qi dynasty. Her grandfather had been stationed at the border for 20 years and prevented the Rouran’s cavalry from invading the south. After her grandfather died, although the Liang family’s general had disappeared, Gu Huai Zhong had been stationed there for five years and ruined countless things for Rouran. This kind of hatred was against the country and the family. Naturally, the Rouran could have sent someone to kidnap Gu Huai Zhong’s children.

However, Gu Yu Qi still felt that something was strange but for the time being, she could not say what was strange.

Liang-shi was not an ordinary noble girl. After all, she had been born into a family of generals. So when she met this kind of thing, she would initially be troubled but would soon calm down.

She thought about it for a moment. Then she ordered Chun Xing to bring pen and paper and wrote a letter that she handed to Zhao Wu. She asked him to find a reliable servant to send it back to the capital immediately and hand it to Nanny Li.

Gu Yu Qi did not even care about what was written in the letter. She was now debating whether or not to go find Yun Ke.

When Yun Ke rescued her, although she had not seen it, she heard what Yun Ke had used to hurt those two people. Zhao Wu came back and said that the two men in black had been poisoned to death. Could it have been because of the hidden weapon that Yun Ke had used? According to Yun Ke’s character in her previous life, he would probably have gone to investigate it. Zhao Wu also said that there were traces of fighting in the woods. If the person fighting the two men in black was Yun Ke, chances were that he would have found something.

Gu Si Yang and Gu Si Yu had come out with her mother and had been lost. If Liu-shi found out, who knew how she would harass her endlessly with unreasonable demands. In any case, their top priority was to find her missing younger brother and younger sister first.

However… Ask Gu Yu Qi to take the initiative to find Yun Ke, she really could not bring herself to make that step.

Gu Yu Qi gritted her teeth and mentally prepared herself for a long time. Then she said to Liang-shi, “Mother, don’t worry. Father is already looking for them. Eldest Younger Brother and Third Sister are not unlucky people. They should be able to turn calamities into blessings.” Before she had died in the previous life, Gu Si Yang had already become the Ding Yuan Marquis. As for Gu Si Yu, she had also married very well but what happened to her after that, she did not know.

“No, Mother still can’t rest assured. Ah Nan, you and Chun Xing stay inside the inn and don’t go anywhere. It’s heavily guarded here and there are two princes staying here. I believe that those Rouran people wouldn’t dare to come. Mother will go out and find Father.” Liang-shi could not help standing up and saying to Gu Yu Qi.

Chun Xing’s martial arts were not low-level and if one or two Rouran people came, she should be able to handle it as long as they were not elites. Besides, the news that the Ding Yuan Marquis had lost his children had already been spread. All of the nobles from the capital living in the inn with their servants and guards were all on alert now. The yamen outside had also surrounded the inn and not even water would be able to flow through. No matter how daring the Rouran people were, they would not dare to do anything now.

“Yes, Mother be careful,” Gu Yu Qi could not wait for Liang-shi to go out now to give her a chance to sneak out and find Yun Ke. So she did not hold her back and just gave a blessing. Liang-shi was accompanied by the guards she had brought from Jiangnan. They were all first-class elites and as long as she did not go far, she would also be safe. However, Gu Yu Qi was still worried, “Mother, don’t go out for too long.” She grabbed the hem of Liang-shi’s clothes and put on a pitiful look.

Liang-shi’s heart softened. She leaned over and touched Gu Yu Qi’s head, “Don’t worry. Mother is just going out to have a look and will come back soon. You and Chun Xing are together so don’t be afraid.”

“En.” Gu Yu Qi nodded forcefully on purpose, indicating that she was not afraid. The more she was like this, the less Liang-shi would stay outside for too long and the less likely that it would be dangerous.

She watched Liang-shi leave the room. Then she said to Chun Xing, “Sister Chun Xing, I have something to request from you.”

Chun Xing looked at Gu Yu Qi in confusion and asked, “Young Miss can just give orders if she has something to say, what’s this about requesting?”

“I have to find someone. I ask Sister Chun Xing to accompany me but don’t tell Mother okay?” Gu Yu Qi shook Chun Xing’s hand.

Chun Xing smiled, “Then it depends, who is Young Miss looking for?” She liked Gu Yu Qi very much, especially after she had fallen into the water and had changed into a different person. She was even more polite and respectful to the maids next to the Madam. This made Chun Xing and the others feel a little flattered. So as long as it was Gu Yu Qi’s request, as long as it was not too much, they would agree.

“I want to find the Seventh Prince Yun Ke.” Gu Yu Qi lowered her voice and said in Chun Xing’s ear, “But I don’t want anyone to know, so can you take me in quietly?” She pointed quietly at the backyard.

Chun Xing was startled, “Why does the Young Miss seek His Highness the Seventh Prince?”

“I just have something to ask him. There was less than a stick of incense time left until the guards at the door switch shifts.” Gu Yu Qi said, “There are three secret guards in front and in the back of the room, come and see.” After speaking, she did not care whether Chun Xing was willing and dragged her directly to the window. She pushed open the window and then pointed out the location of the secret guards to Chun Xing.

Chun Xing was even more shocked and her chin almost fell to the ground. She practised martial arts very well but she had not realised that there were actually six secret guards lurking in the back room. After Gu Yu Qi pointed them out, only then did Chun Xing notice that there seemed to be some people hiding in those places.

“Young Miss, how did you know?” Chun Xing asked with wide eyes.

This… She had been entangled with him for so long in the previous life, so how could she not even know this? At that time, her purpose had been to get close to Yun Ke but to no avail.

It was just that in this life, she had wanted to stay away from him all her life yet, she met him again and again. Now, she had been reduced to the point where she had to find him in person. She was getting more and more corrupted!

When Gu Yu Qi thought of this, her expression looked as if she was damned to be unlucky.

“Don’t worry about that, I just knew.” Gu Yu Qi was too lazy to explain too much to Chun Xing, “Can you knock the six secret guards down?”

“Difficult.” Chun Xing looked at the terrain and shook her head, “This servant is afraid it cannot be done.”

“Then forget it. Just knock down the guard at the door. But if I force my way into his room and the six secret guards take action, I’m afraid I’ll be a little overwhelmed.” Gu Yu Qi touched her chin and said.

“Why doesn’t Young Miss just go in openly?” Chun Xing asked in confusion.

Ah? Gu Yu Qi was stunned for a moment and then she burst into laughter… What kind of mentality did she have? Why did her brain turn foggy when it came to Yun Ke? She could indeed look for him openly, but the next day, it was likely that there would be some gossip again. However, with the current situation, so be it if there was gossip.

“Then let’s go and look for him openly.” Gu Yu Qi made a sly face at Chun Xing. Then she took Chun Xing’s hand and walked downstairs.

At this time, most of the people in the inn had already eaten and were resting in their rooms. The Ding Yuan Marquis had lost his children and the other families had closed their doors with guards outside watching carefully. Naturally, no one was walking outside.

This helped Gu Yu Qi. The entire way that she and Chun Xing walked, they did not meet anyone else except for the patrolling yamen.
Gu Yu Qi and Chun Xing went to the backyard. They were stopped by the guards at the door. Chun Xing stepped forward to explain the situation and the guard went in to request instructions. Soon after, he came out and said to Gu Yu Qi, “His Highness the Seventh Prince welcomes you, however, this lady cannot go in. His Highness said only the Young Miss from the Gu family will be allowed in.”

Chun Xing frowned. The Madam had told her not to leave Gu Yu Qi’s side. However, being beside His Highness the Seventh Prince, the Young Miss should be fine.

Gu Yu Qi gave Chun Xing a comforting look. Then she told her to wait here and went in.

***

The middle of the backyard was separated by rockery and a flowery lattice wall. Yun Yi was staying on one side and Yun Ke on the other. The guard took Gu Yu Qi to the room on the left and reported towards the inside. Gu Yu Qi heard a voice that she was all too familiar with, “Come in.”

Gu Yu Qi took a deep breath, pushed the door open, and walked in. She thought that she would be flustered and panicky, however, she was unexpectedly calm this time. What was there to panic about? Yun Ke had also been reborn and he knew every detail about her, so she did not need to pretend anything in front of him.

It was good this way. Gu Yu Qi originally thought that she would be unable to face Yun Ke. Yet, it turned out that when her heart had died, she would no longer be afraid.

Yun Ke was still wearing his black robe from before, only the golden crown from his head had been removed. Under the flickering candlelight, his inky hair shone with a dim light like black silk. What was more was that his skin was whiter than snow and his eyes were cold. When Gu Yu Qi came in, he had already put down the book in his hand and leaned leisurely against an old-fashioned wooden armchair covered with an animal pelt. One of his hands was on the armrest, propping up his head. He looked at Gu Yu Qi with a crooked face.

Sure enough, the little person could not help but come to find him first and it had been faster than he had expected.

She had already changed her clothes but they were still bright red. Yun Ke had seen countless women wearing red clothes, but no one could express that colour more vividly than Gu Yu Qi, fresh and lively. Even though she was still young, the colour was still indescribably bright in her cuteness.

“Greetings Your Highness the Seventh Prince.” Gu Yu Qi bent her knees and bowed her head according to the rules.

Uh, time passed bit by bit but the person sitting on the wooden armchair did not say a word. He just let her bend her knees and squat like this. Gu Yu Qi now practised martial arts every day so let alone half squatting for a while, even if she had to hold the horse stance for an hour, she would not turn red and her heartbeat would not elevate.

“Greetings Your Highness the Seventh Prince.” If nothing was wrong, she could still get along with him. However, she could not afford it now and could only repeat herself in a clear and loud voice.

It was still silent with no movement at all.

What time was it, still making a fuss! Gu Yu Qi was really angry now, “Greetings YourHighness the Seventh Prince. This minister’s daughter, Gu Yu Qi, has something to ask and requests His Highness tell the truth!” She spoke quickly then she raised her and stared with bright eyes at Yun Ke who was still keeping his previous posture.

“Get up.” Yun Ke then moved his lips slowly and spoke coldly. “What did Miss Gu come here so late for?”

Pretending! Only knowing how to pretend!

“Your Highness the Seventh Prince, this minister’s daughter wanted to ask if the two men in black died from His Highness’ hands. Did His Highness fight with them after chasing them and are they really Rouran people, using Rouran weapons and martial arts?” Gu Yu Qi asked urgently like a series of cannonballs.

Yun Ke raised his slender fingers and picked up a strand of hair scattered on his shoulders and played around with it. He looked at Gu Yu Wi with a half-smile but did not speak again.

Gu Yu Qi really wanted to send Yun Ke flying with a kick. What time was it now, he was still like this, did he not know that this side was already in imminent danger?

If it were not for the fact that their strengths were too different and that there were six secret guards lurking beside him, Gu Yu Qi really would have kicked him.

“What men in black?” Yun Ke raised his eyebrows and asked lightly.

My god!!! You’re shameless!

“It’s the two that Your Highness chased away at the town god’s temple just now,” Gu Yu Qi said anxiously.

“Oh? There was?” Yun Ke tilted his head, still wrapping his hair around his fingers.

Your sister!

“Could it be that Your Highness has amnesia?” Gu Yu Qi lost her patience and her tone worsened.

“What’s amnesia?” Yun Ke still kept his damned appearance, looking at Gu Yu Qi with bright eyes.

“Your Highness, this minister’s daughter’s younger brother and younger sister are missing. The two men in black also wanted to kidnap this minister’s daughter and it was Your Highness who drove away the two men in black, saving this minister’s daughter. Since Your Highness saved this minister’s daughter once, then this minister’s daughter dares to ask a question and requests Your Highness tell the truth,” Gu Yu Qi took two steps forward and said while looking directly at Yun Ke.

Yun Ke’s heart lightened for a moment. She was actually looking directly into his eyes. She had been avoiding him before but now she did not seem to be afraid of him anymore.

He was a little happy but also a little disappointed. She was so close to him that he could pull her into his arms with just a hook of his arm. It was just that he had not done it before and he was not prepared to do it now. After being reborn, he still had to ascend to that position again even if some things were very different from the original.

As for Gu Yu Qi, after her death in the previous life, he had indeed missed her for many years. When he had ascertained that she also carried the memories of the previous life like himself, he thought for a long time if he wanted to be alienated from her like in the previous life. However, he found that he seemed unable to return to the mood of the previous life.

Let nature take its course. He thought this but he could not help but pay more attention to her.

“You also know that I saved you.” Yun Ke said lightly, “You seem to be forgetting something?”

Ah? Gu Yu Qi was startled. What did she forget?

Seeing Gu Yu Qi looking at him dumbly with her bright red little mouth opened slightly, Yun Ke’s mood seemed to instantly improve a little. She was quite cute when not baring her teeth and claws.

“Since you can’t even say thank you, I don’t need to answer your question.” Yun Ke raised his hand, “You should leave.” He turned his head slightly.

Silly woman! Stupid and clumsy! She deserved to be burnt to death by herself in the previous life!

“Don’t!” Gu Yu Qi said hurriedly. She rushed over and hugged his arm habitually. “I haven’t finished speaking yet. Don’t drive me out.”

As soon as the words came out, the two people in the room were stunned.

In their previous life… It seemed like she had often done this. Yun Ke lowered his eyes slightly and looked at his arm being hugged by her. His eyes dimmed. Everytime he pushed her out impatiently, she would hug his arms tightly like this. It was just that she was still young now and hung on his arm like a puppy.

Damn! She had gotten used to it! As soon as Gu Yu Qi hugged his arm, she froze for a moment then hurriedly threw his arm away as if she had been scalded.

“Forget it. It’s your right if you don’t want to answer. You’re not obliged to tell me that.” Gu Yu Qi quickly took two steps back and stood still, kneeling and bowing again, “This minister’s daughter has disturbed Your Highness’ rest. Thank you, Your Highness, for saving my life. This minister’s daughter thinks of Your Highness as being magnanimous and having an exemplary conduct and nobility of character, and will not ask the minister’s daughter for anything much in return. So this minister’s daughter will bid goodbye.” When she was done speaking, she got up to leave.

Leaving just like this? It was not like this in the past life.

Yun Ke’s heart felt empty and he felt a little discomfort in his chest again.

Was she not going to pester him to listen to all her words and pester him until she got her answer? Giving up so soon? Magnanimous? Exemplary conduct and nobility of character? She thought that if she casually said a few words, he would not ask her for repayment?

What a joke. She did not even look at who she was up against.

Seeing that her hand was about to touch the latch, Yun Ke suddenly growled, “Halt!”

Gu Yu Qi shrank her neck and turned her head instinctively, only to see a dark tide flashing in Yun Ke’s eyes. This was bad, he was angry!

Lord, when would she run if not now?!

Gu Yu Qi felt remorse in her heart. She had long known how petty he was, seeking revenge for the smallest grievances. Why had she still come to provoke him?! There was seriously something wrong with her brain.

Gu Yu Qi decided to be momentarily deaf. She wanted to pull the door latch and run out. Yun Yi was next door and surely he would not disturb Yun Yi.

He probably did not want others to know that he had saved her, otherwise he would not have run away before the other people had arrived.

Gu Yu Qi was only a small step away from success when Yun Ke’s figure flashed to Gu Yu Qi’s side. He closed the half-opened door with a speed that almost dazzled Gu Yu Qi. The latch dropped and he pulled Gu Yu Qi’s back collar and until she was back to the centre of the room.

Damn, long legs bullying someone with short legs! Just you wait! Gu Yu Qi’s short legs could not reach the ground so she could only sway helplessly in the air.

“Want to leave?” Yun Ke pushed Gu Yu Qi onto the chair he had been sitting on earlier. Then he leaned down and put his arms on the armrests of the chair, imprisoning Gu Yu Qi in the centre. He glared at her, “How can things be so cheap?!”

It was impossible for the person who provoked him and then walked away to be Gu Yu Qi.

“Your Highness the Seventh Prince, don’t be so angry alright?” Gu Yu Qi knew that she could not run away so she simply changed her tone to be pleading. With a soft and waxy voice that a ten-year-old child was used to having, she blinked her big eyes suddenly and looked at Yun Ke pitifully. Yes, she was being cute.

She already felt so disgusted that she wanted to vomit, but now she had to pretend to be a cute loli with big eyes. Gu Yu Qi already felt like she wanted to vomit three jin of blood. She had lived for so long, was it easy…

This woman changed faces faster than flipping a book? She was not a woman yet and was a little girl at most, yet her heart was still the Gu Yu Qi from the previous life. The Gu Yu Qi in his previous life would act like a spoiled child, would be angry, wink at him, seduce him, but she had never looked at him with such pitiful eyes. Until she died, she never begged him for anything. In the previous life, she had a kind of pride deep in her bones, a pride that irritated him.

Facing such a Gu Yu Qi, Yun Ke really did not know what to say for a moment.

He only snorted coldly, “Didn’t you want to know the answers to those questions? I haven’t told you yet, why are you running?” He coughed lightly and spoke a little uncomfortably.

Huh, what was this situation?

Under the bright lights in the room, Gu Yu Qi was surprised to see that Yun Ke’s ears were a little red.

Was she imagining things?

Yun Ke could actually blush?!!!

Gu Yu Qi really wanted to go outside and see if the snow was white. Maybe it was red.

Then she suddenly realised. So it turned out that this person could be persuaded by a soft approach but not by force?

So long as she endeavoured to flatter and fawn over him, putting down herself in front of him, he would also soften?

This was not right! This was not the Yun Ke from the previous life. Surely this was not someone else disguising as him!