Chapter 748: Can’t Claim to be Wronged
Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
As Gu Zi drifted into a deep slumber, Su Shen opened his eyes. He tenderly wrapped his arms around her, whispering a soft response into her ear, “Goodnight, my darling.”
While Gu Zi’s world was filled with sweetness and joy, the atmosphere at the Gu family’s grand courtyard was tense enough to suffocate.
The task that Zhang Mei’s elder brother had requested of the Gu family had not been accomplished. Moreover, Zhang Mei discovered that her brother had given her a counterfeit jade pendant. The argument that ensued between the two families had led to a complete breakdown in their relationship. Behind each other’s backs, they spared no effort in slandering one another, further tarnishing the Gu family’s reputation in the grand courtyard.
Zhang Mei’s elder brother and his family were spreading rumors that the Gu family only accepted gifts but never fulfilled their obligations. They pointed out that although Gu Zi had become successful, she had no regard for her adoptive parents. In their view, the Gu family had been too ruthless and biased in the past, favoring their biological daughter and neglecting their adopted one. As a result, their biological daughter had turned out to be as disappointing as they were.
Gu Shan and Zhang Mei were infuriated and depressed. They retaliated by badmouthing Zhang Mei’s elder brother, accusing him of giving counterfeit goods while asking for favors. They claimed they would be better off without such relatives who spread defamatory rumors when things didn’t go their way. However, in this mudslinging battle, Zhang Mei’s elder brother’s family seemed to have the upper hand, casting a dark cloud over the Gu family’s daily life.
Adding to this, there had always been numerous conflicts between Gu Shan and Zhang Mei. In the past, their intelligent daughter Gu Zi had played the peacemaker, making their life bearable. But ever since Gu Zi left, the couple’s long-standing issues had escalated, reaching a point of no return. Zhang Mei’s behavior had become more apparent, seizing every opportunity to berate her husband. It seemed that only by doing so could she find some relief.
But Gu Shan was no longer willing to tolerate Zhang Mei’s constant nagging. Now, provoked to anger by her words, he slammed his hand on the table and retorted, “How dare you speak! Who do you think is responsible for the state we’re in? Isn’t it because of your favoritism, your insistence on sending Gu Zi to marry in the countryside, and nearly driving her to death? Even if she openly resents us now, we can’t claim to be wronged!
“Moreover, Gu Zi, that child, still shows us respect on the surface. In the end, you are the one who has ruined this family. And the matter with Lin Miao is your fault too. If you hadn’t indulged Lin Miao, would she have made so many mistakes without realizing her wrongs? You’d better keep your mouth shut now…”
Gu Shan paced back and forth, consumed by regret. He wished he had never listened to Zhang Mei’s advice, focusing solely on compensating his biological daughter and neglecting his adopted one. Now, looking back, he realized their actions were indeed inappropriate. It was understandable that Gu Zi would feel disheartened.
As Gu Shan spoke, his anger grew, and eventually, he stormed out of the house in the middle of the night.
Zhang Mei was reduced to tears by the harsh words. She no longer cared about maintaining the dignity of a battalion captain’s wife.
As she wept and cursed, Li Li, who was standing nearby, rushed over in a panic, trying to console Zhang Mei. “Madam, please don’t cry. The master is just under a lot of stress. He still cares about you. Where could he possibly go in the middle of the night? I’ve heard that the women in this city are quite alluring to men.”
Li Li had been working as a maid in the Gu household. These days, she deliberately dressed herself in a simple, unambitious manner to deceive Zhang Mei and lower her guard. As she spoke soothing words, a hint of amusement flickered in her eyes. The quarrel was beneficial to her; without their arguments, she would have no chance to rise in status.
Sure enough, Zhang Mei began to ponder upon hearing Li Li’s words. This was not the first time Gu Shan had stormed out. When he was not at home, could he be out seeking other women?
This was unacceptable! Zhang Mei wiped her tears and eyed Li Li warily. Li Li merely responded with a foolish grin, causing Zhang Mei to finally let her guard down.
Initially, Zhang Mei had been cautious around Li Li. Although the woman dressed plainly and seemed to lack the ability to seduce men, she was still much younger than Zhang Mei.
Having Li Li as a maid in the house had always made Zhang Mei uneasy. However, it seemed that Li Li was indeed a simple country girl. Instead of viewing Li Li as an adversary, Zhang Mei decided it would be better to utilize her services.
Zhang Mei withdrew her gaze and pulled out five yuan from her pocket, handing it to Li Li. “I was impulsive just now. Thank you for reminding me. Could you do me a favor and bring the master back? If he’s too angry to return, make sure you stick with him and keep other women away from him. Can you handle that?”
Li Li accepted the five yuan with a show of gratitude, but inwardly, she was disdainful. The wife of a battalion captain was trying to win her over with just five yuan, which was laughable. However, she immediately assured Zhang Mei, “Don’t worry, madam. I can handle it. From now on, I’ll be your eyes and ears.”