Oops! The Black Lotus Can't Be a Female Supporting Character - Chapter 21
Chapter 21: Threw Him in the Bushes
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“Run quickly!” Princess Ning Shu, as if facing a formidable enemy, urgently pulled Xiao Yanfei’s wrist, escaping without hesitation.
This time, it was a real escape!
A life-or-death escape!
Gu Feichi’s gaze, with a seemingly amused yet not quite smiling expression, fixed on the fleeing figure of Xiao Yanfei.
His spirited red horse neighed excitedly, seemingly asking, “Not chasing?”
However, Gu Feichi showed no intention of pursuing, his gaze slowly shifting from their backs towards the alley they had just run out of, pausing for a moment.
Dismounting, he walked towards the alley, bending down to pick up a dropped pearl earring.
It was an ordinary pearl earring, about the size of a red bean, its pink pearl shimmering in the sunlight.
Gu Feichi pinched the pearl earring between his thumb and forefinger, giving it a turn.
His gaze shifted slightly as he recalled Xiao Yanfei’s right ear, empty, while the other ear adorned with a pearl earring.
A few steps forward, he noticed a man in a blue robe lying on the ground with a sack over his head. The robe was dusty, bearing several footprints.
“Mmm…” The man, bound by the sack, wriggled on the ground like an insect, muttering curses.
“Who?! Don’t think you can escape. Even if we dig three feet into the ground, we’ll unearth you…”
Though in pain, he attempted to remove the sack, but every movement caused audible gasps of pain.
Gu Feichi raised an eyebrow. Even through the sack, he recognized the imperial eunuch Gao An.
And it was evident who had put the sack on Gao An’s head.
The high walls of the alley cast a faint shadow on Gu Feichi’s face, accentuating the depth of his eyes.
He casually tugged at the corner of his lips, unfastened his sword, and walked slowly towards Gao An on the ground. At the moment when the other was about to free himself from the sack, the scabbard heavily struck the back of his neck, fierce and precise. (TL: I was translating this at 2am and I thought he stabbed his neck ?)
Gao An didn’t even have time to scream; he fainted.
Gu Feichi whistled.
His mount approached upon hearing the sound.
Gu Feichi effortlessly bundled Gao An into the sack, tossed it onto the horse like a sack of rice. The red horse snorted disdainfully, seemingly disgusted. (TL: Even the horse is disgusted)
Gu Feichi soothingly patted the long neck of the horse, quickly scanned the alley to ensure no clues were left behind, he turned over and got on the horse again.
With a nudge of his legs, the red horse took off, hooves flying, quickly leaving the alley.
Gu Feichi took a different route, quietly left the city with the unconscious Gao An, threw the man and the sack into some bushes, and then returned to the capital.
This time, he headed directly back to Duke Weiguo’s residence on Zhuque Street.
Duke Weiguo’s residence was a mansion granted by Emperor Tai Zu, only four or five streets away from the imperial palace.
For over 50 years, the Duke’s residence had been famous, producing generations of renowned generals. Each generation of the Duke received imperial favor, and the mansion, having undergone several expansions, was now the largest among the noble residences in the capital.
Today, the crimson gates of the Duke’s residence stood wide open, and the servants excitedly shouted:
“The Young Master is back! The Young Master is back!”
The voices echoed through the mansion, causing a stir.
The Young Master had been ordered to leave the capital for Qingzhou before the New Year and had just returned after more than three months.
Amidst the welcoming cheers of the servants, Gu Feichi rode into the Duke’s residence.
A young servant in green immediately approached, grabbing the reins of the red horse. He reported, “Young Master, the Duke and Madam are in the main courtyard.”
Gu Feichi nodded slightly, heading directly to the main hall with a steady and agile stride.
The Duke and Madam of Weiguo had been informed in advance, and Gu Feichi reached the left chamber without any hindrance.
The room was filled with the fragrance of precious aloeswood, gently wafting through the air. Polished golden bricks adorned the floor, while the furniture, tables, and chairs were all crafted from exquisite rosewood. A multi-layered treasure shelf displayed various antique items, such as a gold-plated copper basin, a coral bonsai, and a vibrant colored glass bottle.
The arrangement was meticulous, creating a sense of oppression in its artful precision.
Past a screen depicting five hundred Arhat bed carved on mahogany, Gu Feichi saw Duke Weiguo casually reclining on the large cushion of the arhat bed, wearing a loose homely azure robe.
On the other side of a small tea table, the Madam sat with impeccable elegance. She wore a saffron-colored embroidered silk jacket with golden-threaded plum blossom patterns, exuding grace and nobility.
After greeting his parents, Gu Feichi took a seat at the lower end of the room.
Having recovered well over the past ten days, Duke Weiguo’s spirit was good, but his physique remained lean. Smiling, he inquired, “Ah Chi, how did the task go this time?”
“Father, rest assured, the task was completed successfully,” Gu Feichi said casually. “The pirates causing trouble in the seas near Qingzhou and Xuzhou were actually composed of several groups, seemingly an army of four thousand, but in reality, they were nothing more than a scattered and disorganized alliance of a dozen or so pirate gangs.”
“After this battle, the remaining forces are not a concern. The coastal areas of Qingzhou and Xuzhou should be peaceful for the next two years.”
His tone was light, his expression calm, yet there was a subtle hint of pride and disdain for the world in his demeanor.
“Well done,” Duke Weiguo looked at his proud eldest son with affectionate eyes and smiled. “You didn’t spend the New Year in the capital this time. Since you’ve returned to the Capital, try to stay for a few more days.”
Gu Feichi spent most of the year away from the capital, handling imperial tasks across the realm. “The emperor mentioned he wants me to stay in the capital for an extra two months,” he casually remarked with a hint of sarcasm, “and mentioned your ailing health, asked me to fulfill my filial piety in front of you”
The Duke of Weiguo gestured lazily in response, not bothering with customary expressions of gratitude.
The Madam sat composed, observing the father and son with a subtle frown. She suddenly spoke, “Ah Chi, you should have come out of the palace by now. Where have you been all this time?”
“You…didn’t cause trouble somewhere again, right?!”
Her gaze fixed on Gu Feichi, a mix of displeasure and annoyance evident. The news of Gu Feichi’s early return to the capital wasn’t a secret. Upon receiving the information, the Madam had dispatched a servant to the palace gate to wait for him, but they were a step too late. By the time the servant arrived, Gu Feichi had already left.
Considering the timing, Gu Feichi should have returned to the Duke’s residence over half an hour ago.
In the midst of conversation, a maid approached with tea for Gu Feichi and freshly brewed tea for the Duke and Madam. The aroma of tea filled the air.
Gu Feichi leisurely lifted a finely crafted tea cup. The cup contained premium Longjing green tea, with a vibrant emerald color and a fragrant aroma. Whiffs of steam rose and mingled with the air, enveloping his black mask.
As Gu Feichi remained silent, the Madam couldn’t help but feel a momentary tension in the corner of her lips, her gaze deepening.
She sighed lightly, “Ah Chi, you’re not young anymore. Don’t act recklessly all the time; it worries your father.”
“Your father’s health isn’t what it used to be these past two years…”
The maid, who had been pouring tea, looked awkward, unexpectedly caught in the middle of the Madam reprimanding her son. She lowered her gaze, trying to be inconspicuous.
Observing Gu Feichi’s stoic demeanor, the Madam felt a surge of frustration. She adjusted her cuffs with her jade-white fingers, which were maintained like a girl’s, her gaze profound.
Changing the subject, she spoke sternly, “Ah Chi, you’re twenty years old now. In families of our stature, someone your age would already have a multitude of children. Yet, here you are, alone. Sometimes, it doesn’t sit well with me.”
“Your father is seriously ill, and the imperial physicians are helpless. With you far away, as a woman without anyone to consult, I couldn’t sleep all night worrying.”
“Fortunately, Master Xuan Qing guided me. He predicted that if you get married, it will bring joy to your father and turn his condition around.”
“I’ve chosen a suitable candidate for you… and it seems effective.”
“Marry?!” Duke Weiguo frowned tightly, shocked, as he looked at the Madam.
It was the first time he heard about this joyous marriage matter, and his disapproval was evident. “Madam, you…” This seemed like a reckless decision!
Duke Weiguo sat up straight, suppressing the reprimand that was about to come out. He spoke seriously, “No, Ah Chi’s marriage must not be treated lightly; we must choose carefully.”
“Lord Duke, how can you call this a trivial matter!” Madam spoke earnestly. “I’ve consulted Master Xuan Qing diligently to find a girl whose fate aligns perfectly with Ah Chi.”
“Look, even before entering the household, her blessings have reached the Duke’s residence, dispelling your negative aura. In just a few days, you’ve recovered!”
“This proves Master Xuan Qing’s accuracy.”
Madam, increasingly convinced, continued to persuade.
Gu Feichi calmly sipped his tea, seemingly indifferent to the conversation. He let words flow in one ear and out the other, showing no urgency.
“Xi Wen,” Duke Weiguo softly called his wife’s name, gently patting her hand, and reassured, “This is like seeking medicine in a panic. My recovery is due to a skilled physician, not a joyous marriage.” During the days of his severe illness, Madam had tirelessly cared for him.
Sometimes, in the middle of the night, when he woke up coughing, he would see his wife wiping away tears, speaking to the maids about her efforts to find renowned doctors and seek remedies everywhere. She prayed to deities, wishing to exchange years of her life for his health.
Seeing his wife’s deep love and dedication, Duke Weiguo couldn’t bear to criticize her further.
“Lord Duke, Master Xuan Qing is truly miraculous,” Madam tightly held Duke Weiguo’s well-defined hand. “Before, the Fourth Miss of Lord Yong Ping fell into a high fever and seizures, only recovering after consuming Master Xuan Qing’s talisman water. Similarly, the young master of General Li lost his soul, and it was Master Xuan Qing’s magic that brought him back!”
With teary eyes, the Madam continued, “Duke, please believe me. Master Xuan Qing said that Miss Xiao has a favorable fate, with profound blessings. She can bring prosperity to both her family and her future husband. It’s absolutely reliable.”
Miss Xiao Er from the Marquis Wu’an residence?!
Gu Feichi was momentarily stunned; the teacup in his hand paused. Behind his mask, his sword-like eyebrows slightly lifted, attention piqued by the Madam’s words.
Me when Gu Feichi threw him in a bushes somewhere.
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Translated By: Allthingsfluff