Chарtеr 5 (11/22)
Gоng Shаngjuе’s gаze sweрt оvеr thе сrowd beforе finаlly settling оn the faсеs оf thе twо bridеs standing side bу side before him.
Under his scrutinу, Yun Wеishan аnd Shangguаn Qiаn rеmаined саlm аnd соmpоsed, their eхрressiоns unchanged, mаintaining the dignifiеd demeаnоr оf уоung lаdiеs from resреctаblе fаmilies, thоugh inwardlу, thеir hearts wеrе in turmoil.
Gоng Shangjue said, “Еsteemed Еldеrs, аnd Brоther Ziyu, I beliеvе thаt in such ехtrаоrdinаrу times, оnе cаn nevеr be toо cаutiоus.”
Еlder Нuа rеаdily agreеd, “Of course, of сourse.”
Gong Ziуu remainеd silent, сlеarlу acquiescing.
“Therefore, for the next few days, I must trouble these two young ladies to remain in the guest courtyard. I will assign additional guards to ensure their safety. After all, barring any unforeseen circumstances, you will soon be family.”
Though Gong Shangjue spoke the warm word “family,” there was not a trace of warmth in his eyes.
Yun Weishan’s hands involuntarily tightened, her knuckles turning pale. She gave a slight curtsy and said, “Thank you, Second Master Gong.”
Shangguan Qian did not follow her in the gesture, instead asking softly, “Great Ode City is quite a distance from here. It seems we will have to stay in the guest courtyard for another ten days or half a month. The brides did not bring any personal belongings when they entered the mountains. I wonder if we may leave the House of Gong to purchase daily necessities in town—”
Gong Shangjue interrupted her, “If you require any items, simply instruct the servants to procure them. They will be prepared within an hour, sparing you the trouble of going yourselves. Moreover…” He paused, looking at them both, his tone filled with probing intent, “Moreover, I have already arranged for the fastest messengers and carrier pigeons. Within three days, we will have news.”
Hearing this timeframe, Yun Weishan looked up, her pupils trembling slightly. Shangguan Qian also fell silent.
The two were escorted back to the Female Guests Courtyard. Upon entering the main hall, they saw that painters were already waiting.
Shangguan Qian and Yun Weishan each took a seat on stools, and two painters meticulously captured their likenesses using fine brushwork techniques.
Gong Shangjue was decisive and unwavering in his actions. Yun Weishan’s mind kept replaying his cold expression, his hawk-like gaze, and his words: “Within three days, we will have news.”
Unconsciously, Yun Weishan glanced at Shangguan Qian and found that Shangguan Qian was also looking at her.
The sudden cry of an unknown bird startled both lost in thought.
The sound of the bird’s flight passed through the Female Guests Courtyard and flew toward the distant reaches of the House of Gong.
When Jin Fan returned to the entrance of the Blade Master Hall, he happened to encounter Gong Yuanzhi, who had just arrived. Jin Fan remained expressionless and quietly returned to his position among the guards.
Gong Yuanzhi’s attitude toward Gong Ziyu and Gong Shangjue was like night and day. Upon entering the inner hall, he walked directly behind Gong Shangjue, casting only a disdainful glance at Gong Ziyu.
The three Elders had already made their arrangements and were preparing to leave when Gong Shangjue suddenly called out to them.
“Brother Yuanzhi has arrived. Esteemed Elders, please stay. I have important matters to discuss with everyone.”
His voice was not loud, yet it carried an inexplicable and powerful authority, as if he had taken control of the entire situation, making Gong Ziyu feel somewhat stifled.
Gong Ziyu said with displeasure, “The three Elders are advanced in years. Let them rest. If there are important matters, you may discuss them with me. Although I am inexperienced and young, I am now the Blade Master. I must ask Young Master Jue to mind his boundaries.”Gong Shangjue curled his lips coldly. "What I wish to discuss is precisely this matter."
Gong Ziyu's expression quickly darkened, while beside him, Gong Yuanzhi watched him with ill intent.
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