The Prime Minister's Darling
Chapter 631 - 631 304 Empress Dowagers Favorite (First Update)_2

Chapter 631: 304 Empress Dowager’s Favorite (First Update)_2 Chapter 631: 304 Empress Dowager’s Favorite (First Update)_2 Gu Jiao had no intention of lingering for small talk and so, did not respond.

“Since you are here to meet the Empress, why not accompany me?” said Gu Jinyu.

Just as Gu Jiao was about to say she wasn’t here to meet the Virtuous Consort, a youthful, harsh voice interrupted her.

“So, YOU are the rustic lass from the countryside!”

Gu Jinyu’s face changed slightly. He turned and bowed to a silk-robed young man, “Your Highness, the Fifth Prince!”

The Fifth Prince was seventeen this year, the same age as Gu Chenglin, but two months younger.

He inherited the Virtuous Consort’s beauty and, indeed, stood out even among the already handsome group of royal princes.

However, his arrogant and domineering attitude did not particularly endear him to Gu Jiao.

Gu Jiao barely lifted an eyelid, just glancing at him indifferently.

Standing before them, the prince looked at her in surprise. “What kind of attitude is that? Why don’t you bow when you see me?”

By rights, she should kneel, but out of respect because they are relatives, she should at least bow!

Gu Jinyu softly reminded Gu Jiao, “Sister.”

Gu Jiao remained indifferent.

The prince’s anger flared further. “You’re very brazen!”

Gu Jinyu hastily stepped forward and spoke in a low voice, “Prince, my sister just entered the palace and isn’t familiar with the rules. I will educate her later. Would you please excuse her this time for the sake of our grandfather and older brother?”

Mentioning the old marquis and Gu Changqing eased the prince’s anger a bit. Even though he was naive, he understood very well that both his grandpa and elder cousin provided much support for him.

While his grandfather had officially retired, he was still working behind scenes for the Emperor, and his elder cousin was certain to be making significant contributions in the Military Camp.

Still, the Fifth Prince had no intention of letting Gu Jiao off the hook so quickly.

He asked Gu Jiao coldly, “Was that last incident your doing?”

Gu Jiao looked at him with brow furrowed, not understanding at all what he was talking about.

The Fifth Prince sneered, “You went too far! Why didn’t you inform my Empress Mother about your inventions beforehand? It caused so much misunderstanding. Even I was questioned and had my work scrutinized by Father. It’s all your fault!”

What kind of tyrant’s logic was this?

What was she capable or not capable of, and why should she announce it to the Virtuous Consort, who had absolutely nothing to do with her?

Gu Jiao crossed her arms and looked at the Fifth Prince as if he were a fool.

Frantically trying to mediate the situation, Gu Jinyu said, “Your Highness, this has nothing to do with my sister. She told me everything, but I neglected to inform the Empress Mother!”

Gu Jiao didn’t intentionally disclose anything to Gu Jinyu. Evidently, Gu Jinyu’s words were intended to take the responsibility onto himself.

The Fifth Prince wasn’t convinced, “Stop defending her! I’ve heard so much about her! She returned to Capital City but didn’t move back to her family’s house, and she never visited my Empress Mother!”

“My sister is married. When have you ever heard of a married woman moving back into her parents’ house? As for visiting the Empress… isn’t that why she’s here?” Gu Jinyu continued to hint to Gu Jiao to apologize.

Gu Jiao remained motionless.

Frustrated, the Fifth Prince blurted out, “See? I told you! She’s insincere! She obviously does not respect me or my Empress Mother!”

The Fifth Prince had been having a hard time lately. First, the Emperor put him under house arrest and then ordered him to study hard, without anyone’s help. His teachers were also stricter, leaving him no pleasure.

Today, everyone had planned to go to Third Brother’s house, but he was left in the palace because he hadn’t finished copying his punishment work.

He was taking out his frustrations on Gu Jiao.

Gu Jinyu would usually indulge him.

But Gu Jiao was not going to pamper him.

Gu Jiao looked at him and said, “I’m not here to visit the Virtuous Consort, and I’m not here to pay respects to you either.”

With that said, she inclined her head slightly, hinting for the Fifth Prince to step aside.

The Fifth Prince, initially slightly miffed, was now thoroughly outraged.

I treated you like a family member, only asking for a bow, yet you don’t appreciate it!

“Kneel!” The prince commanded coldly.

“Your Highness!” Gu Jinyu blurted out in shock.

“Move aside! Or I’ll punish you too!” This was the first time the Fifth Prince had spoken harshly to Gu Jinyu, showing how angry he was.

Gu Jinyu could not utter another word.

Gu Jiao frowned in frustration. “I’ll say it one last time, step aside.”

“How audacious! Men, slap her!” instructed the Fifth Prince assertively.

Two burly eunuchs approached to seize Gu Jiao but couldn’t even brush her clothes before they were sent sprawling on the grass.