The Prime Minister's Darling

Chapter 353: Chapter 188: The Next Game (Third Update)

“Why…” Madame Ling laughed, “Of course it’s because of you, my lord…”

From the moment you caught me when I fell from the attic, I wanted to marry you.

But why are you my brother-in-law?

I saw my sister with you, and was so jealous that I was going mad!

My sister is dead.

My sister treated me well when she was alive.

But I am not sad, not at all.

Because I know, my chance has come.

…

Lord Gu had Madame Ling taken away.

Though Madame Ling was unforgivable, firstly, she was the daughter of the Ling family, and secondly, the three sons still did not know Madame Ling’s sins. If they hastily punished her, it might lead to misunderstandings deepening if their sons refuse to believe and insist on thinking that Yao was the one who did something wrong.

Lord Gu suddenly felt weary.

He has not heard much about rumors concerning the Yao family, mainly because no one dared to say such things in front of him, and also because Yao never complained to him. Whenever he happened to hear servants gossiping, he would dismiss them immediately.

“My lord, how should we deal with these servants?” asked Huang Zhong.

Lord Gu replied impatiently, “Just a few servants! Do you have to always consult me for such things?”

“Yes, yes!”

Ah, being the target of his frustration, it’s really pitiful!

Huang Zhong punished those servants who were to be punished and sold those who were to be sold. In any case, none of them was allowed to step into the Marquis Residence again.

“My lord,” said Huang Zhong, “It’s getting late. You should go and rest.”

Without realizing it, it was already midnight.

Yao had returned to the courtyard long ago.

The old Lady Gu was so furious that she had a headache. After taking her medicine, she also rested.

Lord Gu was utterly worn out, but he did not go to rest. Instead, he went to the courtyard of Gu Chengfeng and Gu Chenglin.

Gu Chengfeng had just come back after completing a task and looked worn out. His pale face perfectly matched the impression of being grouchy from being woken up in the middle of the night.

Lord Gu said, “Call your eldest brother.”

His aura felt off.

The two brothers exchanged looks, not understanding what was going on with their father.

Gu Chenglin said, “The eldest brother has gone to the military camp.”

Lord Gu spoke tiredly, “That’s fine, I’ll tell the two of you first.”

Lord Gu didn’t mention the matter of Madame Ling having an affair. Firstly, it was a disgrace, and secondly, it was not appropriate to bring it up in front of the children.

He only mentioned Madame Ling’s embezzlement of silver, bribing the servants to cause trouble and sow discord.

The two brothers were dumbfounded.

Little Madame Ling went early, and when Madame Ling entered the mansion, the two brothers were still dependent on their mother. They received warmth from Madame Ling, who was like a second mother to them in their hearts.@@novelbin@@

Gu Chenglin sprung to his feet from the chair, “I don’t believe it! Madame Ling wouldn’t do such a thing! It must be Yao! It must be that mean woman Yao who slandered Madame Ling!”

“Who did you say is a mean woman?” Lord Gu also stood up coldly!

This time, Gu Chengfeng stepped in front of his brother.

He would not allow Madame Ling to be wronged, nor would he allow his father to punish his brother for false crimes!

For the first time, Lord Gu felt a different aura from his second son, but he didn’t think too much about it. His fists made a ringing sound, “The evidence is conclusive, those servants are still being punished in the stables. If you don’t believe it, go ask them yourself!”

Gu Chenglin said, “They have all been bought by Yao! Yao tells them what to say, and they say it! I don’t believe their words! I want to see Madame Ling! I want to ask her personally! I only trust her!”

Lord Gu was furious, “Unfilial son!”

Gu Chenglin didn’t care about him. In Gu Chenglin’s heart, Madame Ling was much more important than his own father!

When he was sick, it was Madame Ling who looked after him day and night!

When he missed his mother, it was Madame Ling who held him up all night!

When he was beaten by his father indiscriminately, it was Madame Ling who comforted him, coaxed him, and made delicious food for him!

Madame Ling is the one who treats him the best in this world apart from his own mother!

He only needs Madame Ling!

Gu Chenglin rushed towards Madame Ling’s courtyard.

Gu Chengfeng was also worried about Madame Ling’s situation and followed him.

“Madame Ling!” Gu Chenglin arrived outside her courtyard.

The guard blocked him, “Third young master, you cannot go in!”

“Out of the way!”

Gu Chenglin rudely pushed the door guard.

However, he couldn’t push him away.

Gu Chengfeng came over and flicked his fingers. The guard only felt his knees buckled as if struck by something. Taking advantage of the situation, Gu Chenglin pushed the guard aside, and together with Gu Chengfeng, they entered the courtyard.

“Madame Ling! Madame Ling!” Gu Chenglin rushed towards Madame Ling’s room.

The room was quiet. There were no lights, only a thin shard of moonlight shone in from outside.

“Madame Ling?” Gu Chenglin spoke softly.

Madame Ling was sitting at her dressing table with her hair loose, staring blankly at the bronze mirror.

She seemed to have aged overnight, no longer the youthful beauty she was.

“Madame Ling…” Gu Chenglin came behind Madame Ling.

Madame Ling was very quiet.

But her swollen eyes clearly indicated that she had been crying hard, and there were traces of blood at the corners of her mouth.

Feeling as though his heart was being torn apart, Gu Chenglin knelt on one knee and looked up at Madame Ling sorrowfully, “Madame Ling? Did our father beat you? He’s such a jerk! I’ll never talk to him again! I don’t need him anymore!”

Madame Ling’s eyes reddened and welled up with tears. She reached out a hand to touch Gu Chenglin’s cheek, “Silly boy.”

Gu Chenglin pressed his cheek into her hand, promising solemnly, “They said you framed Yao, and they even fabricated evidence to tarnish you! Madame Ling, don’t worry, I won’t be fooled! Father has been deceived by that fox spirit, I will find a way to clear your name!”

Madame Ling said, “Didn’t you think she was too stupid to frame anyone?”

Gu Chenglin huffed, “That was in the past! After I saw her secretly meeting someone, and was duped into empty-handedly trying to catch them, I knew she was not simple! She is not a good person! Madame Ling, if you can’t stay in this mansion, I won’t either! I will take you away! I will take you away from the Marquis Residence!”

Madame Ling gave a bitter smile, “You are the son of the Marquis, the Marquis won’t let you leave, and you will be caught and brought back.”

Gu Chenglin choked up, but quickly said, “He, he can’t catch me! We can go to the Ling family and hide! My grandmother will definitely stand up for me!”

She will stand up for you, but she won’t stand up for me.

My worth, has been depleted the moment you all grew up.

Looking at him through her tears, Madame Ling choked up, “Let Madame Ling hug you one more time.”

Gu Chenglin nodded, circled his arms around Madame Ling’s waist, and buried his head in her bosom.

Suddenly, he felt a pain in his chest.

Everything happened too quickly. Gu Chengfeng did not have time to react, and Madame Ling’s dagger was already plunged into Gu Chenglin’s chest!

Gu Chenglin looked down at the dagger in his chest incredulously and raised his head, “Mad-, Madame-“