The Challenge of a Farmhouse Son-in-Law
Chapter 912 - 906: Weighing the Pros and Cons

Chapter 912: Chapter 906: Weighing the Pros and Cons

"If she spoke, wouldn’t she admit that she had investigated Xiao Qinqin’s whereabouts in the past?"

But if she didn’t speak, how could she defend Gu Youyou?

The Empress thought for a long while, then whispered to the Emperor, "Your Majesty, Doctor Gu said that she bought the jade pendant. It seems it might have ended up among the common people and was inadvertently bought by Doctor Gu. Sister Xiao has been dead for over twenty years; Youyou wasn’t even born then."

That was the only way she could remind the Emperor and clear Gu Youyou from any connection with Xiao Qinqin. Whether Gu Youyou could pass this trial set by the Emperor depended on her own fate.

The Emperor seemed not to hear the Empress’s words and only stared at Gu Youyou.

Gu Youyou, head bowed, did not look at them, thoughts racing in her mind.

How could she save herself without implicating Jin Zijin?

Or perhaps, should she just reveal Jin Zijin’s matter and thus push forward the matter of his recognizing his family?

But with the Dao Sect in trouble, from Jin Zijin’s attitude, he had no plans to recognize his family.

If the matter of the Dao Sect was handled well, allowing him to proceed with his plans, maybe he would change the previous plan and decide against recognizing his family?

And considering the spoiled Jin Fengzhao, what would the Emperor feel if he knew his beloved daughter of many years was fake?

Before Gu Youyou could sort out her thoughts, several men dressed as guards, accompanied by a eunuch, arrived.

This was the task that Emperor had assigned to Eunuch Wan.

She was not a woman of the palace, so, to carry out punishment, they didn’t use the palace eunuch but called men from outside.

Allowing several men to beat her with paddles was also a great humiliation for a young woman like Gu Youyou.

Both the Empress and the Empress Dowager were startled and watched as the four guards brought in a long bench into Zhaoyang Hall, saluted the Emperor, and grabbed Gu Youyou, pressing her onto the bench.

Gu Youyou’s heart was in turmoil, but she bit her lip firmly.

In this case, she could either honestly betray Jin Zijin or take the punishment quietly, resolved not to speak.

If she spoke, Jin Zijin would inevitably become the target of everyone, which was precisely the best time for him to confront Xuanzong.

So he would have to split his attention between dealing with Xuanzong and fending off court politics.

"I’ll give you one last chance, will you speak or not?" the Emperor asked in a voice that was mild yet carried an undeniable authority.

Both the Empress and the Empress Dowager were too shocked to know what to say.

Although they didn’t want Gu Youyou to get hit, they were also curious why the Emperor was fixating on Gu Youyou.

The Emperor was always wise; he must have discovered something? Or perhaps he was certain that Gu Youyou wasn’t telling the truth.

The Empress Dowager, supported by a palace maiden, stood up and walked to Gu Youyou, whispering softly, "Youyou, just speak whatever you need to; this beating will be harsher than those given by eunuchs. With your weak constitution, you won’t survive ten blows; just tell the truth, and the Emperor won’t trouble you anymore."

Gu Youyou internally cursed.

To die from ten blows? How forceful would they be?

She had thought at worst she’d be severely bruised and would recover in a few days.

Somewhat frightened but after a thought, she still clenched her lips tightly and shook her head, "Empress Dowager, Youyou is telling the truth. I indeed bought the jade pendant from the Boater for ten Silvers."

"Oh, it seems you are not planning to tell the truth," the Emperor said coldly.

The Empress Dowager shook her head and sighed; the girl was truly stubborn.