Going Their Separate Ways

"What do you suspect?"

"I'm speaking irresponsibly, without any basis," the Third Concubine said, her eyes clear. "But I feel that there might be someone around the Marquis who is constantly trying to sabotage him."

Gu Wanning was shocked.

She forced herself to calm down and thought for a long time before saying, "You mean, Physician Bian might have a problem?"

"Besides him, I don't think of anyone else. Because over the years, only he has truly understood the Marquis's health condition, and he has never said that the Marquis has any problems. Do you think that's normal?"

"Something's not right," Gu Wanning murmured to herself. "And it's been so long. He should have come back a long time ago, but he's been delaying it. Who knows if there's something fishy going on?"

"That's right, I think so too," said the Third Concubine. "However, the Marquis shouldn't suspect him. So I hope you can remind the Marquis. To put it another way, even if it's not Physician Bian has a problem, it's someone else close to the Marquis who has a problem."

Gu Wanning understood after a moment's thought.

Xu Weibei certainly didn't suspect Physician Bian.

If he truly had doubts, he would immediately have someone bring Physician Bian back, or he might even go there himself to confront him.

So what did Physician Bian do to gain an unquestionable position in Xu Weibei?

"What worries me is that the Marquis is completely unguarded around Physician Bian, and may become even more deeply involved in the future."

"You're right. I'll think of a way to bring this up tactfully with the Marquis."

At this point, Gu Wanning recalled how she had thrown herself at him earlier that day but was rejected, and she couldn't help but feel a little frustrated.

She said, "Hua Ying, to be honest, when the Marquis stood up for me today, risking his own reputation to protect me, I was tempted."

And, moreover, I was deeply moved.

She wasn't as brave Xu Weibei; she was petty and narrow-minded.

She even suspected that Xu Weibei was also on the same side as the Grand Princess.

Despite this, she still chose to protect him.

Xu Weibei's subsequent actions seemed to be the best response to her.

Gu Wanning even had a shameless thought that they were actually going towards each other.

"With someone like the Marquis, who could be so heartless as to remain unmoved?" Third Concubine expressed her understanding.

But he still pushed me away. I know what he was thinking...

Xu Weibei felt inferior and didn't want to hold her back.

"I really don't mind. Whether he's good or not, what difference does it make to me? Even if he were a woman, I can still treat him like a sister, right?" Gu Wanning said. "Don't I get along well with you all? Do you think I'm close to you because I like your big breasts and slim waists?"

"Actually, I prefer you, sister, with your large breasts and slender waist," the Third Concubine said, suppressing a laugh.

Gu Wanning: "... Let's get down to business! I genuinely feel that the Marquis needs someone by his side right now. Even if they don't say anything, just having someone with him would be good."

"Doesn't the Marquis have Gao Lan by his side? Even without Gao Lan, there are many other people." The Third Concubine looked at Gu Wanning and said meaningfully.

Clearly, she had seen through Gu Wanning's thoughts.

Gu Wanning lowered her head, then looked at her again after a moment. "Yes, I might not be thinking clearly right now, but I want to stay with the Marquis."

Then her voice turned somber, "But I also know that someone as proud as him would think I'm just pitying him, and therefore wouldn't accept my company."

What if you insist?

"I'm afraid persisting won't help," Gu Wanning said. "The Marquis is too proud. He may humble himself before others, but he won't let others humble themselves before him."

"Then you'll have to make the decision yourself," said the Third Concubine. "I'm afraid I can't help you with this."

"I know, I'll think about it some more," Gu Wanning said.

Her head was actually spinning at that moment, and she had a feeling of unreality and impulsiveness.

Chapter 224 Going Their Separate Ways

Gu Wanning went to find Xu Weibei.

However, Xu Weibei avoided meeting him.

That's right, instead of making up an excuse to tell her he wasn't there, he directly had Gao Lan tell Gu Wanning that he was unavailable.

Gu Wanning was so angry she laughed.

If there was something left unsaid before, something left unsaid, now all that's left is a contest.

--Why isn't she here?

No, I have to see him!

After her failed attempt, Gu Wanning gritted her teeth and declared that she had to get whatever a woman wanted.

She was about to meet Xu Weibei.

But before her determination could translate into action, she faced a second round of "attacks."

"Don't you need to bring me food anymore?" Gu Wanning was furious when she saw Zhi Nu bring the food box back untouched.

I never realized Xu Weibei could be so ruthless when he gets angry!

"Auntie, what should we do now?" Zhi Nu asked worriedly.

Although he was young, he was precocious and understood things early on; he vaguely grasped what was happening outside.

He was worried about Xu Weibei.

"Feed the food to the dog," Gu Wanning said angrily.

Zhi Nu hurriedly protected the food box, "Little Aunt, don't waste it, this is all meat. How about I take it to Grandfather and the others?"

Gu Wanning couldn't help but laugh.

"If he won't eat, we'll eat it ourselves," Gu Wanning said angrily, then instructed Zhi Nu, "Although you mean well, Grandfather will be unhappy if he knows I'm giving him food that others don't want."

Zhi Nu nodded. "Auntie is right."

"He's ungrateful, let's ignore him and eat."

Gu Wanning asked Er Ya to open the food box and watched as she took out the dishes one by one—roasted lamb chops, braised pork, pan-fried yellow croaker, cold lotus root slices... all of which were Xu Weibei's usual favorites.

I wanted to please them and comfort them, but I was rejected and sent away.

Xu Weibei, you really don't know what's good for you!