The Prime Minister's Darling

Forgetting his anger towards Gu Jiao, Marquis Gu quickly commanded the guard to lead the way and raced towards the site of his son’s mishap.

Gu Yan’s carriage had overturned midway. Although the secret guards managed to steady the carriage and prevent a complete tumble, it was still severely tilted and Gu Yan was thrown off.

Gu Yan, always so frail and delicate that the household staff wouldn’t dare let him suffer even a minor bump or scrape, had Marquis Gu frantic with worry. However, upon seeing Gu Yan, he found his son completely unharmed.

Gu Yan was sitting on a stool, sunlight warming his long, outstretched legs.

“Brother!” Gu Jinyu got off her carriage, lifting her skirt as she approached Gu Yan. She knelt down beside him, holding his hand. “Are you all right?”

Marquis Gu, his expression odd, walked forward, staring unblinkingly at his son. “Is anything hurting?”

Gu Yan responded with indifference: “I won’t die.”

Marquis Gu had already been informed about his son’s improved condition. He had his doubts, but seeing Gu Yan now, he could tell it was true.

The carriage toppled, but the individual was unscathed, previously an impossibility.

Relieved, Marquis Gu let his son ride in his own carriage.

The relationship between father and son was strained, upon getting into the carriage, neither spoke. Only Gu Jinyu would occasionally break the awkward silence in the carriage.

On Marquis Gu’s forehead was a swelling, a result of being hit with silver coins, to which Gu Yan kept staring steadfastly.

Gu Jinyu thought her brother was worrying about their father, so she quickly explained, “Brother, you don’t know who we just ran into — it was that little medicine girl who took your jade ring… Father gave her silver, but she didn’t want it. Look at what she did to him.”

“She did this?” Gu Yan widened his eyes.

“Yes.” Gu Jinyu nodded.

Gu Yan suddenly burst out laughing.

He made no attempt to hide his glee over their father’s misfortune.

Marquis Gu felt an urge to hit someone in irritation. If this weren’t his own son, he would have probably killed him by now!

First, he was enraged by a wild girl, and now back home, he has to put up with his own son’s antics. He was at a loss; was this a coordinated attack on him?

The carriage soon arrived at the Hot Springs Villa.

The villa staff, aware of the Marquis’s arrival, were elated, as if it were New Year’s again.

It was no wonder they were so excited; the Marquis was rarely able to visit the villa due to his official duties in the Capital City. The Marchioness and younger master generally resided here, while the young lady divided her time between the villa and the city.

The kitchen staff prepared a feast to welcome Marquis Gu and dust off the grime of travel. The family of four enjoyed a rare meal together.

After dinner, Gu Jinyu led her brother back to their respective rooms, leaving Marquis Gu alone with Marchioness Yao.

When in their children’s presence, the couple appeared affectionate. The moment their children left, however, Marchioness Yao’s smile faded slightly. “It’s late, my lord. You should rest. I’ll have a room prepared for you.”

Marquis Gu took hold of her hand, whispering gently, “Are you still angry with me?”

Marchioness Yao turned her face away. “Dare I ever be angry with you, my lord? Please, don’t be so absurd.”

Marquis Gu looked at her affectionately, saying with regret, “I’m to blame for not being able to visit you more often, but I truly have been busy. You’re aware of the situation in the Capital City. The princes are all becoming influential, and the Emperor is in his prime…”

Marchioness Yao interrupted him. “As for matters of the court, it’s best not to discuss them with a simple woman like me. It’s beyond my comprehension. You’ve come to the villa unexpectedly, is there something you wish to address?”

Marquis Gu swallowed his words.

Of course, there was a matter of urgency.

However, he was still unsure whether it was too early to inform her.

With a calm demeanor, Marquis Gu said, “I sought an eminent physician in the Capital City to treat Yan’yan. I’ve brought him along.”

Marchioness Yao remarked, “Yan’yan’s condition has improved significantly.”

Marquis Gu responded, “I’m aware. Jin Yu has already informed me. The doctors at Huichun Hall are skilled, and Yan’yan’s health has greatly improved. However, they still doubt whether they can fully cure him. There’s always hope if we get another doctor’s opinion.”

At this, Marchioness Yao and Marquis Gu were in agreement.

Marquis Gu moved closer to his wife, whispering in her ear, “I’ll come to you later, leave the door ajar.”

Marchioness Yao nodded silently, then withdrew behind the curtains to her inner room.

Watching his wife’s retreating form, Marquis Gu sighed in resignation.

Marquis Gu headed to the study before sending for Doctor Zhuge, who had been waiting for some time, to visit Gu Yan’s room.

Gu Yan was sleeping, Marquis Gu chose not to wake him, and after sending everyone else out, left Doctor Zhuge in the room.

Marquis Gu was so wary mainly because Doctor Zhuge had a somewhat unique identity. It was imperative no one discover that he had left the Capital City or that he was associated with Marquis Gu’s residence, the An Ding House.

Marquis Gu watched Doctor Zhuge with a cold gaze. “Your apprentice treated my son, and afterward, my son uttered some outrageous claims. I hope you understand, I am not a person who can be fooled! Never try to deceive me.”

“Of course not, my lord,” replied Doctor Zhuge calmly.

Marquis Gu gave him a long, penetrating look, letting him pass to Gu Yan’s bedside, where Doctor Zhuge took a drop of blood from Gu Yan’s fingertip using a silver needle.

Then, they proceeded to Gu Jinyu’s room.

Marquis Gu said, “Jin Yu, the doctor wants a drop of blood from your fingertip.”

“Oh, is it for preparing medicine for my brother again?” A few months ago, a physician had taken her blood, saying it would serve as a guide when preparing her brother’s medication.

“Yes, it’s for medicine again,” Marquis Gu answered without batting an eye.

Gu Jinyu hated pain, but for her brother, she could tolerate it. She closed her eyes and reached her hand out. “Doctor, go ahead.”

Doctor Zhuge took a drop of blood from her fingertip.

With tear-filled eyes, Gu Jinyu winced in pain. Marquis Gu consoled her lovingly. Then, he left to await the results in the study.

About fifteen minutes later, Doctor Zhuge arrived with a complex expression.

“What’s the result?” Marquis Gu asked anxiously.

Doctor Zhuge looked steadily into Marquis Gu’s eyes, saying, “The young lord and your daughter’s blood are incompatible. They are not related by blood.”

Although he had prepared himself, Marquis Gu was still thunderstruck when the confirmation came from Doctor Zhuge’s lips, leaving him reeling.

There was no doubt that Gu Yan was his son; the boy took after him in every way, right down to his temper. The only trait Gu Yan had inherited from his mother were his eyes.

On the other hand, Gu Jinyu had never resembled either him or Marchioness Yao – the older she got, the less alike she seemed.

Marquis Gu couldn’t help but be puzzled. Had his children been born at separate times, he would have doubted their legitimacy. However, they were twins; it was inconceivable that while one was his, the other might not be.

He had never contemplated the possibility of a mix-up.