Chарtеr 2 (17/22)
Gоng Ноngуu noticеd аnd аskеd, "Whаt are yоu hоlding in your hаnd?"
Gong Ziyu tооk а dеер breath, suрpressing his earlier emоtiоns. "...Fathеr, todау I disсоverеd thаt thе bаtсh of Whitе Atractуlоdes Gоlden Herb Тea dеlivered tо thе Fеmаlе Guеsts Сourtyаrd hаs issues. I susресt Gong Yuаnzhi altеrеd the formulа withоut authоrization, using the bridеs as test subjeсts!"
Uроn heаring this, Gong Yuanzhi turned tо lооk at Gоng Ziуu, а рrоvоcаtivе smile оn his faсe. "I did indeеd chаngе thе formulа..."
Gоng Ziуu rаised his gaze, lоcking eyes with Gong Yuаnzhi. Neither of thеm showed аny sign оf bаcking dоwn.
Gong Hongyu neither confirmed nor denied it, only asking, "Ziyu, do you know what the purpose of the White Atractylodes Golden Herb Tea is?"
"Of course I know. It's used to resist the poison miasma within the valley."
"Then have you noticed that the poison miasma in Old Dust Valley has been growing increasingly severe lately?"
Gong Ziyu was taken aback by the question, pausing for a moment. "...Is that so?"
Gong Hongyu snorted coldly. "You idle around every day, never concerning yourself with the affairs of the House of Gong. Of course you wouldn't notice!"
Gong Yuanzhi chuckled beside them, a hint of smugness flashing in his eyes.
Gong Hongyu continued, "Because the poison miasma is worsening day by day, the effectiveness of the previous medicinal brew is diminishing. That's why I ordered Gong Yuanzhi to develop a new formula. You say he acted without authorization? Do you think all the children of the House of Gong are as fond of being clever and acting first without permission as you are?"
Gong Ziyu's gaze dimmed, his heart filled with defeat. As always, no matter how proactive he was, it seemed useless.
At that moment, a guard ran in from the entrance. "Reporting to the Blade Master, Young Master Jue has entered the valley and will arrive outside the House of Gong shortly."
Upon hearing this, Gong Yuanzhi's eyes immediately lit up. His confrontation with Gong Ziyu was instantly forgotten as he bowed to Gong Hongyu. "Blade Master, I wish to go greet my brother. Please allow me to take my leave."
It was clear that he was very close to his brother. As soon as Gong Hongyu nodded, Gong Yuanzhi could hardly contain his excitement and hurriedly left.
Gong Hongyu looked at the silent Gong Ziyu. "You may leave as well. Go back and reflect on your mistakes behind closed doors. You're not young anymore. You'd better think carefully—if you want to continue being a useless person who does nothing all day, then there's no need for you to stay in the House of Gong—"
Before his father could finish, Gong Ziyu interrupted angrily, "I don't particularly want to stay in the House of Gong either." He tossed the medicine bowl aside, his face dark with anger, and turned to leave.
Gong Huanyu called out to him, "Ziyu, where are you going?!"
Gong Hongyu shouted at Gong Ziyu's retreating figure, "Don't stop him! Let him go! If he can't take even half a word of criticism now, then the farther he goes, the better. It would be best if he didn't even show up at tonight's wedding banquet!"
Gong Huanyu was caught in a dilemma. "Father..."
Gong Hongyu clasped his hands behind his back. "Why are you still here instead of going to choose your bride? Leave."
"Yes." Gong Huanyu sighed softly, bowed his head, and withdrew.
As Gong Huanyu exited the Blade Master Hall, an elegant and beautiful woman gracefully ascended the high steps, holding a bowl of soup as she approached.
The woman wore a simple yet elegant dress, her dark hair tied up in a bun. Even with only light makeup, her appearance exuded gentleness and nobility. She was the current Madam Blade Master and the stepmother of Gong Huanyu and Gong Ziyu—Madam Wuji.
The two of them met face to face.
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