Chapter 2585: Colorful

"Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear!" Gu Lingqiao kept wailing incessantly.

Xuexue walked in and almost burst out laughing.

Gu Lingqiao’s face was smeared with something, colorful like a street clown, completely obscuring her original appearance.

Xuexue: "Miss Gu, what are you up to?"

Gu Lingqiao: "I... I’m not feeling well, just lying down for a bit."

Xuexue: "What’s going on with your face?"

Gu Lingqiao: "The desire for beauty is universal. Though I’m feeling a bit unwell, I still want to look pretty, so when the Prince comes to see me, it’s pleasing to the eye."

Really now, with a face like a ghost, pleasing to the eye?

The Old Maid who was initially drooping became energetic upon seeing the situation. Unexpectedly, Gu Lingqiao had the presence of mind to apply so much makeup on her face, making sure the Princess Consort of the War Prince couldn’t see her injuries.

Xuexue: "Since you’re unwell, why not have the Doctor come and take a look?"

Gu Lingqiao quickly replied, "No need, it’s just some minor ailments, nothing serious."

Xuexue: "The Prince isn’t in the mansion. If he comes back and finds out Miss Gu is sick, and this Princess Consort didn’t call for a doctor, he’ll certainly hold me accountable."

Gu Lingqiao, more agreeable than ever: "Princess Consort, you can rest assured, Lingling will explain to Brother Rui. Brother Rui dotes on Lingling the most and certainly won’t blame the Princess Consort."

"Since that’s the case, this Princess Consort won’t insist, we’ll go by what Miss Gu wants."

After advising once more, Xuexue left with Zi Xia.

"Young Mistress, I feel something’s amiss?" On the way back, Zi Xia voiced her doubt.

Xuexue also found it strange. Gu Lingqiao was unwell, and logically, she should be happy to have a Doctor examine her, but they seemed nervous, as if hiding some secret.

"Young Mistress, you’re skilled in medical arts, why not check her pulse?"

"Do you think she’d let me check her pulse looking like that?"

"She wouldn’t."

"Exactly, pointless to say more, I won’t bother, let them do as they please."

"Why don’t I go check things out? See why they’re being so secretive?"

"Alright, go ahead."

"Hey!"

Zi Xia had just taken a couple of steps but was called back by Xuexue.

"Young Mistress, any other instructions?"

"The steward mentioned that the Old Maid is a martial arts practitioner, be cautious and don’t let her find out."

"Martial arts practitioner?"

"Yes, it’s said she’s quite skillful, quick and accurate in acupuncture points."

"Such a powerful expert, working as a servant? Seems Miss Gu has an unusual background; otherwise, she wouldn’t have such remarkable people around her."

Zi Xia took another couple of steps, sensing something off, stopped and turned back to ask: "Something’s not right, Young Mistress."

"Hmm, what’s off?"

"If this Old Maid is really that skilled, why does Gu Lingqiao constantly shout and order her around?"

Xuexue laughed and said: "That’s because she’s too domineering, and that’s why the Old Maid secretly gave her a beating."

Zi Xia also laughed, finally understanding why the Old Maid beat Gu Lingqiao. This woman is truly annoying, treating the servants inhumanely, thus facing today’s consequence.

"Assign a few sharp people to follow from afar, don’t alert them."

"Yes, Young Mistress."

"Go ahead."

That day was when the Second Prince and Third Prince set off to the border for war. The streets of the Capital were lined with people seeing them off.

This time, the army heading out of the Capital was crucial for the common people. A victorious battle would be cause for nationwide celebration; if defeated, it portends that the people would face a war-torn land and lose their homes and loved ones.

Thus, everyone was deeply concerned. Why didn’t the Emperor send the War Prince to fight, instead of the inexperienced Second Prince and Third Prince?