Blissful Days After Widowhood - Chapter 475

The Feng family, although not as prosperous as it was during the country’s founding, remained beyond the reach of ordinary people. Despite their offer to assist Chu Manrong in returning to the palace as a concubine, she decided to turn the tables on them.

As the mother and son exchanged glances, Chu Manrong spoke up without hesitation, “I won’t hide it from you. I used to entertain such thoughts, but not anymore. I’m leading a good life now!” Chu Manrong’s bitterness was palpable; she had never experienced such hardships in her life.

Her change of heart was influenced by a shift in perspective. In the past, whether in a brothel or in the palace, she had enjoyed material comforts but was treated as mere entertainment rather than a person. However, in the theater, she sold her skills and talents. For instance, if faced with a disrespectful customer, she didn’t need to scold them—Gu Yin and Manager Zhou would promptly escort them out with hefty sticks.

With her earnings, she purchased a small yard and two young maids who, like her in childhood, had been sold by their relatives. Since becoming the theater’s female lead, she gained numerous admirers. While some men still pursued her, there were also women who saw her as a talented individual, showering her with flowers and gifts. Crucially, no one regarded her as a mere plaything.

Regarding a certain individual, she had grown more assertive and less susceptible to manipulation. She couldn’t get Wu Qingyi’s attention, causing the Feng family to view her as a discarded pawn. When she was expecting the Feng family to send someone to talk to her when she worked as a noodle maker, Mrs. Qin showed no interest.

But now, they simply disregarded her wishes and resorted to threats.

With a family like theirs, who could feel at ease being associated with them?

“The Feng family knows my vulnerability, so they likely assumed I wouldn’t object. Boss, please save me.” Chu Manrong clutched Gu Yin’s hand tightly, as if clinging to a life-saving lifeline.

Curious, Gu Ye inquired about the nature of the weakness. Chu Manrong’s face turned crimson, prompting Gu Yin to gently push her son a few steps back, signaling him to let Chu Manrong share the information.

After whispering a few words, Gu Yin comprehended the situation. She reassured Chu Manrong, saying, “It’s nothing. You were coerced by the circumstances. And don’t be afraid. While lying to the Emperor is undoubtedly a crime, it was the Feng family pulling the strings behind the scenes. If they accuse you, won’t they implicate themselves?”

“But if the Feng family were to frame me by saying I lied to them, and they were merely negligent, the relationship between His Majesty and that family is not something an orphan like me can contend with. I fear that, at most, they might face a few reprimands, and I would bear the brunt of the guilt.”

“So, just because the Feng family claims you lied to them, you’re supposed to endure their guilt? While the Feng family’s connection with His Majesty is significant, His Majesty is not unjust.”

Gu Yin spoke and glanced at Gu Ye. Although Gu Ye missed the part about Chu Manrong’s weakness, he nodded and affirmed, “Yes, my father is very fair.”

Gu Yin then reassured Chu Manrong, saying, “And don’t worry, you are not an orphan. You are an employee of Food of Heaven. If it really reaches the Emperor, I will come forward to vouch for you.”

Being a person she could rely on, Chu Manrong felt relieved. She withdrew her hand from Gu Yin’s grasp and casually smoothed her bun, saying, “That’s alright. I have another performance tonight, so I need to get ready first.” With that, she walked away.

“This person is really…” Gu Yin and Gu Ye chuckled silently for a moment.

However, Chu Manrong’s words did bring them a piece of news. The Feng family was planning to cause trouble again, not at Duke Ying’s Mansion but at the palace.

As for the reason, it was likely because Concubine Feng had fallen out of favor and wanted to establish her own influence by placing her trusted individuals in the palace. Given Mrs. Qin’s character, she probably wouldn’t solely rely on Chu Manrong and might make further arrangements.

Gu Yin wanted to come up with countermeasures, but Gu Ye pulled her out and onto the street, saying, “Let’s go. I’ll be blamed for my ineffective supervision. We’ll head home to try on the wedding dress first. We can deal with such trivial matters later.” Gu Yin was dragged to the carriage by him, only managing to say, “The Feng family…”

“Mother, don’t pay attention to that, I can handle it.” Gu Ye vowed, “In the past, you always helped. I can’t let you stand up for me in everything, and this matter has nothing to do with Duke Ying’s Mansion, the Feng family is obviously here for me.” 

Gu Ye spoke, smiling at his mother once more, “Mom, just watch with peace of mind. I won’t let them succeed.”