Chapter 264: Taking In
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
The inn wasn’t far, and it had already been reserved by Feng Yuanxi.
Qianxi and the other women anxiously waited.
Suddenly, Qianxi, standing by the door, exclaimed, “Milady and Young Master are here!”
The seated Zhou Qingyu and the rest of them stood up.
Then, they saw a beautiful woman entering with a boy held by each hand.
Although the two boys had different appearances, they were equally charming and adorable.
As for the woman in the middle, she could be described using all the beautiful words in the world and still not do her justice.
Could this woman be Xiaonan’s mother?
No wonder Qitian Yu was so determined to have her.
Forget Qitian Yu, even the women were eager to steal more than just a few glances at her.
Upon meeting, introductions were exchanged, and they learned more about the situation in the Fifth Prince’s residence.
Learning that Qitian Yu was dead, these girls, who had been treated like sacrificial vessels, felt relief and cheered.
Of course, there was also a tinge of regret that they couldn’t personally end his life.
It was through their accounts that Gu Qingluan came to know of the wicked deeds Qitian Yu had committed.
She knew Qitian Yu was despicable, but she hadn’t realized the extent of his cruelty. He was worse than a beast; even the vile white insects in the pit were far better than him.
Fortunately, Qitian Yu was dead, and there was no longer any need to worry about his malevolent influence.
Now, the immediate concern was the fate of these two dozen persecuted girls. Aside from a few who seemed to be in better condition, the rest were in appalling states, especially a few who appeared almost lifeless, their eyes vacant and devoid of hope.
From their descriptions alone, one could imagine the torment they endured in the Fifth Prince’s residence. While they had been rescued, the emotional scars might not heal for a long time.
Gu Qingluan asked about their plans.
Zhou Qingyu said she intended to return home. Her family was in the Southern Qing Nation, and she had been abducted during her journey to seek self-improvement. Her family must be worried sick about her.
Hong Yao also wanted to return to her sect.
Being the deputy palace lord of the Scarlet Jade Palace, she had a much greater mental fortitude than the less experienced girls.
Another six girls also mentioned returning to their former residences.
As for the remaining twenty, five remained silent, and the rest of them said they had no idea where to go.
Some felt too ashamed to face their families, while others had been left destitute due to Qitian Yu’s persecution.
“Mother, why don’t we take in these sisters?”
During their years on the Island of No Return, Gu Qingluan had saved many people washed ashore. Influenced by Xiaonan’s suggestion, she couldn’t bear to see them left with nowhere to go.
Initially hesitant, Gu Qingluan decided to take them in upon hearing Xiaonan’s suggestion.
The fifteen girls were overwhelmed with gratitude and knelt down, thanking her profusely.
“Please rise. No need to rush to thank me. While I’ll take you in, you won’t be living here for free. You’ll have to work while you’re here.”
“Madam, rest assured. We won’t be freeloading. As long as we have a place to stay and make a living, it’s already a great blessing for us.” A girl named Huang Xiyue smiled.
The others nodded in agreement.
“Then, let’s leave it at that. You can stay at this inn for now. I’ll arrange your future accommodations.”
Although she was taking them in, Gu Qingluan didn’t know their backgrounds and had no intention of bringing them home.
At least not for the time being.
“You all have injuries. Rest inside the house for now. I’ll have someone come to treat you later.”
Upon hearing Gu Qingluan’s words, the girls stiffened slightly..