A scumbag husband fakes his death to escape his marriage? I'll burn down his funeral hall and s

Chapter 773 Some sore spots are not to be touched.

Qian Zhenyun looked at her, a hint of heartache in his eyes: "I'm worried about you."

Gu Qingchen felt a warmth in his heart, and all his grievances and exhaustion found some solace at this moment.

Looking at Qian Zhenyun, she suddenly felt that as long as he was there, she could persevere no matter what difficulties she faced.

"I'm fine," she said softly, her voice trembling slightly.

Qian Zhenyun reached out and gently, as if brushing away dust, tidied the wind-blown strands of hair at her temples.

“I know,” he said softly, his voice carrying a reassuring strength. “Everything will be alright.”

Gu Qingchen looked at him, tears welling up in her eyes. She knew he had always been there for her.

"Let's go back." Qian Zhenyun withdrew his hand, his voice returning to its usual gentle tone. "It's getting late, you should rest."

Gu Qingchen nodded and followed him, walking step by step towards the Zhenguo Duke's Mansion.

As night fell, the capital city gradually quieted down.

Inside the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, Chu Ruohan was reviewing account books under the lamplight.

Footsteps sounded outside the door, and Gu Junze walked in.

"You're back?" Chu Ruohan asked without looking up.

Gu Junze walked over and sat down next to her, pouring himself a cup of tea: "Mm."

"How is Qingchen?" Chu Ruohan put down the ledger and looked at him.

"Qian Zhenyun brought her back," Gu Junze said. "She seems to be in a relatively calm mood."

Chu Ruohan frowned slightly: "Where's Lin Jiayou? He went to the temple fair today too."

"He's gone." Gu Junze's tone was flat, revealing no emotion.

Chu Ruohan sighed, "That Lin Jiayou is really persistent. Qingchen is a kind-hearted child, I'm afraid he can't beat him."

“She will grow up.” Gu Junze looked at the tea in his cup and said in a low voice, “Some things can only be truly understood through personal experience.”

Chu Ruohan didn't say anything more, but simply picked up the ledger and continued to look through it.

She knew Gu Junze was right. Qingchen would ultimately have to face things and grow on her own.

All they could do was silently protect her.

Qian Zhenyun returned to his courtyard.

The servant followed behind him, seemingly wanting to say something but holding back.

"What's the matter?" Qian Zhenyun asked.

The servant hesitated for a moment before speaking, "Young master, today, Miss Gu and Young Master Lin seemed to have some disagreement in the teahouse."

Qian Zhenyun paused for a moment, then turned to look at the servant: "A dispute?"

The servant nodded: "Yes. I noticed that Miss Gu's expression was not good, so Young Master Lin left later."

A glint flashed in Qian Zhenyun's eyes. He didn't say anything more, but simply waved his hand, signaling the servant to leave.

After the servant left, Qian Zhenyun walked to the window and looked at the night view outside.

A subtle, almost imperceptible curve appeared at the corner of his lips.

dispute.

This shows that Gu Qingchen was not completely deceived by Lin Jiayou.

This shows that she is gradually seeing through Lin Jiayou's true colors.

He knew it was going to be a long battle. But he was confident he would win.

And Gu Qingchen will win.

Because he will always be by her side.

Whatever she has to face.

Gu Qingchen returned to her courtyard, washed up, and lay in bed, but couldn't fall asleep.

The events of the day kept replaying in my mind: Lin Jiayou's hypocrisy, Shen Yu's antics, and Qian Zhenyun's concerned eyes.

She turned over and looked out at the pitch-black night.

She knew that tomorrow would be a new day, and new challenges would await her.

She closed her eyes and tried to calm herself down.

She told herself she couldn't be afraid.

She has the love of her parents, the protection of Qian Zhenyun, and a friend like Shen Yu who, though unreliable, is genuinely kind to her.

She is not alone.

She will be strong and face everything.

Meanwhile, far away in the Eastern Palace, at the Crown Prince's residence, Crown Prince Zhao Chen'an was sitting in his study with a gloomy expression.

On the table lay a secret report detailing Gu Qingchen's whereabouts at the temple fair that day, as well as her interactions with Lin Jiayou and Shen Yu.

"Well done, Gu Qingchen." Zhao Chen'an sneered. "He actually dared to get entangled with Lin Jiayou in public. He's practically trampling on my dignity."

He slammed his hand on the table, a dangerous glint in his eyes.

"Guards!" he roared.

The eunuch outside immediately pushed the door open and knelt down, saying, "This servant is here!"

"Go and tell Her Majesty the Empress that I am unwell and unable to pay my respects to her today." Zhao Chen'an's voice carried a barely perceptible hint of ruthlessness.

The young eunuch responded and quickly withdrew.

Zhao Chen'an looked at the secret report on the table, a bloodthirsty smile curling at the corner of his lips.

Gu Qingchen, do you think you can get rid of me like this?

I will show you the consequences of betraying me!

Meanwhile, in the Empress's palace, the Empress was sitting in front of her dressing table, having her hair ornaments removed by a palace maid.

The old woman stood to the side, reporting something in a low voice.

"Your Highness, His Highness the Crown Prince has sent word that he is unwell and will be unable to pay his respects to you today."

The Empress paused for a moment, glancing at the old woman in the mirror, a meaningful glint in her eyes.

"Unwell?" she repeated softly, a cold smile playing on her lips. "Looks like he can't wait any longer."

The old woman didn't speak, but stood respectfully to the side.

The Empress waved her hand, signaling the palace maids to leave.

She got up and walked to the window, looking out at the dark night sky.

"Gu Qingchen, Gu Qingchen, do you think you can escape my control after causing such a scene?"

Her voice was soft, yet it carried a chilling authority.

"I have said it before, you can only be An'er's Crown Princess."

"No one can change my decision."

A cold light flashed in her eyes.

A silent game is quietly unfolding in Beijing.

Gu Qingchen, Qian Zhenyun, Lin Jiayou, the Crown Prince, and the Empress.

Everyone was caught up in this vortex, unable to control their own destiny.

But no one can truly predict what the future holds...