The first to return was Uncle Gu Zhongxian. On the stretcher behind him lay Gu Chengzhi, unconscious.
Since she first saw Gu Chengzhi, Gu Liyue had never seen him look so pale and haggard. The scar on his face could never fully heal. From afar, it was not very noticeable, but up close, it was clearly visible. Now, looking at the exposed limbs, all were scratched by stones or branches.
Mrs. Qin was the first to rush over. Her trembling hands reached out to support Gu Chengzhi, but Gu Zhongxian stopped her.
"Don't move him. His left arm and leg are broken. We need to call a doctor for a proper examination. If we move him casually, the injury will get worse."
Mrs. Qin covered her face and cried sadly. Gu Liyue was also in tears, kneeling in front of the stretcher.
"Fourth Brother... Fourth Brother..."
Gu Zhongxian's eyes were red. Although he always complained that his son was misbehaving, after all, he was his own flesh and blood. Now seeing his son so badly injured, how could he not feel heart - broken?
However, no matter how heart - broken he was, he still had to handle the remaining matters.
Gu Zhongxian asked people to carry Gu Chengzhi to the room. The doctor arrived quickly. He was a specialist in treating bone injuries.
It was already late at night, but how could the old lady be in the mood to sleep? There had been so many complicated things happening today. She was in a complete mess and just sat there blankly in the main hall.
Lord Gu was not as energetic as before. Leaning on the chair back, he seemed oblivious to what was going on around him. Only at this moment did he slowly open his eyes and look at Gu Zhongxian. "How is the princess?"
Gu Zhongxian quickly reported the situation. "The princess suffered only minor injuries. The cliff was not very high. When we got there, we heard the princess shouting and rescued them in time."
The old lady asked, "Zhi'er was so seriously injured. Why did the princess only suffer minor injuries?"
A look of sadness flashed across Gu Zhongxian's face. "The princess said... Zhi'er protected her and that's why..."
The old lady felt as if her heart was being cut by a knife. She covered her chest and shed tears. "You always blamed him for being naughty and said he was not a real man. Now do you understand? Zhi'er is just as good as his elder brothers. He has never shamed our Gu family."
Gu Zhongxian hung his head and gently wiped away the tear from the corner of his eye.
Early the next morning, the Cheng family sent someone over. It was Mrs. Cheng and Cheng Yinyin. They brought a large amount of gifts to express their gratitude for yesterday's rescue.
What happened yesterday was a major event. The men of the Cheng family were all very busy and couldn't spare the time.
Mrs. Jiang didn't mind. She invited Mrs. Cheng to have tea and asked with concern, "Is your granddaughter all right?"
Mrs. Cheng looked embarrassed and nodded with a forced smile. "Thanks to your Fourth Young Master. She just had a few minor scratches and was scared... Originally, her mother wanted to come, but she was so frightened yesterday that she fell ill and couldn't get out of bed. Please don't laugh at us."
Mrs. Jiang waved her hand and motioned for Gu Liyue to take Cheng Yinyin to play.
Gu Liyue was not very familiar with Cheng Yinyin, but she was already quite experienced in entertaining young ladies. She took her to the garden.
Cheng Yinyin whispered, "I heard that Young Master Gu was seriously injured?"
Gu Liyue replied, "He's fine now. His injury was quite serious yesterday, but luckily, his internal organs were not affected. He just needs good care."
Cheng Yinyin covered her chest and nodded. "That's good, that's good... Liyue, do you know how seriously Princess Yunxi was injured?"
Gu Liyue was puzzled. "Didn't you receive any news? Princess Yunxi only suffered minor injuries. She's okay."
Cheng Yinyin said shyly, "Our family was in a complete mess yesterday... My niece wasn't really hurt, just scared. The doctor prescribed medicine, but my sister - in - law almost turned the whole house upside down. Finally, my father had to step in and scold her."
Gu Liyue was speechless. She had thought the young mistress of the Cheng family was a bit unreasonable when she saw her yesterday. It seemed that the inner courtyard of the Cheng family was not very peaceful either.
Cheng Yinyin apologized. "After all, she is Nannan's mother. My mother's intention was for us to come together early this morning to express our gratitude, but she actually... complained to my parents, saying that they cared more about outsiders than about Nannan."
Gu Liyue was slightly stunned and then closed her mouth. It was someone else's family matter. How could she interfere? Moreover, why was Cheng Yinyin telling her this? If they were close female friends, it could be just a casual chat, but they weren't that familiar.
Cheng Yinyin blushed slightly and finally got to the point. "I'm here today to ask you for a favor, sister."
Gu Liyue said seriously, "If I can help, I will do my best."
Cheng Yinyin whispered, "I'm worried about Yunxi, but... I can't enter the palace to see her. I can't rest easy."
Gu Liyue suddenly understood. Originally, as a young lady, there was no need for Cheng Yinyin to come just because Fourth Brother was injured. The things she said about her sister - in - law just now were to explain why she came instead of her sister - in - law. And now, this was her real request.
Cheng Yinyin looked at Gu Liyue eagerly and continued, "Yunxi saved Nannan. My mother has submitted a request to enter the palace, but the palace may not allow us to enter now. After all, Yunxi was injured yesterday. We don't want to disturb her... Mother will go to the Qingling Prince's Mansion later. But I still want to see Yunxi. After much thought, I can only come to ask you, sister."
Gu Liyue also wanted to visit Lu Yunxi. She informed Mrs. Jiang and then submitted a request to enter the palace. The Gu family was a marquis family, so it was relatively easy to enter the palace. Before noon, they were allowed to enter.
When they finally saw Lu Yunxi, Gu Liyue was greatly relieved.
Lu Yunxi was squatting in the yard. Her left hand was immobilized, but her right hand was still holding a small shovel and digging for something.
The maid led Gu Liyue and Cheng Yinyin in and quickly shouted, "Princess, you can't move around. You should go and rest."
Lu Yunxi said impatiently, "I'm bored. I'm digging for ants. Don't bother me."
The maid said helplessly, "Princess, Miss Gu and Miss Cheng are here."
Lu Yunxi quickly dropped the shovel, jumped up high, and ran to Gu Liyue and Cheng Yinyin.
Cheng Yinyin was so scared that she quickly supported her. "Yunxi, don't be so reckless. You're already injured. If you're not careful, you might pull your wound."
Lu Yunxi pouted. "I only have a minor injury. They're so annoying. They have to immobilize my arm and won't let me do this or that. I'm so bored. Fortunately, you're here. Otherwise, I'd have to find a way to sneak out of the palace to play again."
Cheng Yinyin shook her head and carefully supported Lu Yunxi inside.
Lu Yunxi was unhappy. "Come on, I've said I'm fine. Can you stop acting like this?"
As she moved, it pulled the wound on her hand. She winced in pain and was unable to regain her composure for a while.
Cheng Yinyin shouted in a hurry, "I told you not to be so reckless. Hurry, go and call the imperial doctor."
Lu Yunxi came to her senses and waved her hand. "No, really no need. It's just a minor injury. There's no need to be so troublesome."
Gu Liyue frowned. "A minor injury? If it weren't for my Fourth Brother, how could you have only a minor injury? Hurry up and rest well. If it gets worse later, wouldn't it be in vain for my Fourth Brother to risk his life to save you?"