Third Brother Takes a Beating

Gu Wanning: "... Well, I really didn't think that way, but that's what people outside are saying."

Rumors are not to be believed.

"How is the Marquis doing now?"

"He caught a cold and is recuperating at home."

"Oh."

"Why are you asking about the Marquis? Could it be that you've regretted the divorce and want to throw yourself back at Marquis, hoping to mend the broken relationship?"

Gu Wanning rolled her eyes. "Third Brother is so tall and handsome, yet no woman throws herself at him; the Marquis is far inferior to you, so how could anyone be blind?"

"It's good that you don't think that way. Don't go and cause trouble for the Marquis. If you insist on causing trouble for someone, I, I..."

"What's wrong with three?"

"I'll find someone for you to spare the Marquis."

This is his horse friend.

Gu Wanning was about to ask, "Which unlucky guy have you taken a fancy to this time?" when she heard He Shi's anxious voice from outside.

Is Gu Wanning home? Oh no!

The Zhi Nu, who had been standing to the side listening to the adults, rushed out upon hearing this.

Chapter 174 The Third Brother Who Got Beaten

"What's wrong?" Gu Wanning's heart skipped a beat, and she went out to ask.

He Shi is a very composed person and would not act like this under normal circumstances.

"Someone came with a message saying that something has happened to your eldest brother." He Shi looked panicked.

"What could possibly happen to my older brother?" Gu Anfang also came out to greet him.

"I don't know what happened, Anfang, you should go and find out."

The He Shi came to see Gu Anfang.

"Okay, I'll go right away. Sister-in-law, don't panic..."

"Third Brother, you should go quickly. I'll stay here with Sister-in-law," Gu Wanning said.

Seeing that He Shi was so anxious that tears were streaming down her face, Zhi Nu silently took out her own handkerchief and handed it to her.

He Shi took the handkerchief, but her tears flowed even faster.

Even though she was clearly flustered by worry and her body was still trembling, she still comforted Zhi Nu, saying, "It's alright, your father will be fine. Who would be so heartless as to lay a hand on your father..."

In fact, many bad thoughts were arising in her mind.

My father-in-law's reforms affected the interests of too many people, making him a thorn in the side of many.

Although Gu Anqi disagreed with some aspects of his father's actions, feeling that his father was being somewhat reckless, he insisted that they should act as a united father and son in public to avoid becoming a laughingstock.

He Shi was very worried that those who opposed her, not daring to directly confront her father- Chief Grand Secretary, would instead target her husband as a warning to others.

From the day her father-in-law proposed the reform, she knew from childhood, having studied history books with her father, that this was a thorny path.

Thinking of how eight or nine out of ten reform attempts in history failed and how reformers often met tragic ends, He Shi's heart was always heavy.

She was not afraid of death, but when she thought of her children and the loving relationship she had shared with her husband in this short life, she felt a deep longing for him.

But He Shi never mentioned it once.

She knew that speaking out would only put her beloved in a difficult position.

However, now, hearing that her husband was in trouble and seeing her son's worried face, a selfish thought arose in her mind—couldn't they just give up on the reform?

She didn't crave luxury or seek fame; she only wanted her husband and child to be well...

"Sister-in-law," Gu Wanning helped He Shi into the house to sit down, "Don't worry, things might not be as serious as you think."

If someone had died, the person delivering the news would most likely have simply said, "xxx is gone," instead of calling for people to go and check like they are doing now.

He Shi was extremely anxious and restless. She dared not go back, fearing that she would reveal something to her mother-in-law who knew nothing and frighten her. So she could only wait anxiously with Gu Wanning.

"I'll go find out some information. You wait for me here," Er Ya said.

Gu Wanning had been worried that her daughter would cause trouble, so she had been holding onto her tightly. Now that she hadn't heard from her for a long time, she couldn't contain her anxiety anymore.

"Don't go." He Shi also wouldn't let Er Ya go out.

Er Ya is impulsive and deeply admires and protects Gu Anqi.

"I'll go with Er Ya," Zhi Nu said. "Mother, Aunt, you wait at home."

Although Zhi Nu was still a child, his presence accompanying Er Ya seemed to make people feel more at ease.

"I'll come too," Gu Wanning said. "Let's go."

"I..." He Shi hesitated for a moment, "I'm not going. You all go and come back quickly."

She couldn't leave; if anyone else sent back news, her mother-in-law wouldn't be able to withstand the storm.

Just as I was about to leave, I heard a noise from next door.

Everyone hurried off together.

"No, didn't something happen to the eldest master? How come, how come the third master's head is bleeding?" Er Ya couldn't help but ask.

Gu Wanning was also somewhat bewildered by the scene before her.

Gu Anqi's expression darkened slightly as he helped Gu Anfang.

Gu Anfang a bruised and swollen face, blood was flowing from his forehead, he walked unsteadily, his clothes were torn and messy, and he looked disheveled.

"I didn't lose! I didn't lose! They're shameless, ganging up on us!" Gu Anfang shouted.

Gu Wanning thought to herself, "Thank goodness, he can still shout. He doesn't seem to have gone stupid."

"Husband!" He Shi couldn't control herself and quickly stepped forward, looking up at her husband.

"It's alright." Gu Anqi smiled gently at her, his eyes tender and reassuring.

Gu Wanning: Single people are hurt.

But the problem is, wasn't it said that the eldest brother was in trouble? How come the harm has shifted to the third brother?

There's more than one single person who's been hurt, especially that one who suffered both emotional and physical harm—that's balanced out.

"Let's talk about it when we get home," Gu Anqi said.

Gu Wanning quickly figured out the whole story.

It turns out, the whole thing started because of her.

Gu Wanning felt that her divorce from Xu Weibei was a long time ago.

But in reality, it's quite "new".

Xu Weibei's former subordinates were mostly stupid, straightforward men.

They were fiercely protective of their own—no, of their masters—and were very unhappy to hear that the two were divorcing amicably, rather than Xu Weibei divorcing his wife.