That night, Gu Heng slept soundly.
As soon as she opened her eyes, she saw the morning light spilling in through the window, warming her whole body, as if it had driven away much of the gloom that had been lingering over her.
After getting up, she went with Ziyun and Ah Zheng to buy some rice. She also gave out rewards to a few house servants and then began cooking and distributing porridge at one of the busiest spots on the street.
Before long, a long line had formed in front of them.
Looking out at the crowd, though the commoners were all emaciated and sallow, their eyes no longer held that heavy aura of despair.
Almost every person who came to receive porridge sincerely thanked Gu Heng.
These past days had truly been too bitter.
Before long, three familiar faces appeared in front of Gu Heng—it was the family she had encountered on the road home yesterday.
Now, all three were looking at her with eyes full of tears. The woman was the first to speak: “Miss, we didn’t know yesterday that you were the second young lady of the magistrate’s household. For someone of your noble status to come and help us like this—it’s truly our great fortune.”
After speaking, her expression grew even more solemn. “Second Young Lady, my name is Li Hongrui. This is my husband Zhang Rong, and our son Zhang Qi. Our family will always remember the kindness you’ve shown us. If not for you, we might have starved to death on the streets yesterday.”
The child beside them also piped up in a milky voice, looking much better than he had the day before. “Yes! Thanks to you for giving us food. We also went to Ruikang Clinic to get medicine, and I already feel much better today.”
Hearing this, Gu Heng was a little puzzled. “Ruikang Clinic? Medicine?”
The man quickly nodded. “Yes, the pharmacy at the end of West Street. Starting yesterday, they began distributing free medicine to people in the area. You didn’t know?”
Just then, a commotion arose in the distance. A group of people were carrying a huge pot toward Gu Heng.
Leading them was none other than Qian Zhaoqian.
When they saw him, the family of three became excited, and the child ran up and hugged Doctor Qian’s leg.
“Uncle, I’m already feeling much better today. Thank you for your medicine!”
Qian Zhaoqian immediately picked him up and carried him over to Gu Heng. He said respectfully, “The formula you gave us yesterday really worked. The patients improved a lot after taking it. It’s amazing!”
Gu Heng patted the boy’s head and saw that he indeed looked much better than yesterday—not nearly as close to death. Her heart eased considerably.
“It’s good that it helped. The credit actually goes to my Yiniang—she’s the one who taught me the formula. But… she’s no longer with us.”
At the mention of Gu Heng’s sorrow, Qian Zhaoqian fell silent, not knowing how to comfort her for a moment.
At that moment, everyone waiting in line turned their heads.
They had heard the conversation just now and realized that the life-saving medicine came from Gu Heng. One by one, they began expressing their heartfelt thanks.
A moment later, Qian Zhaoqian announced in a loud voice, “Today, Ruikang Clinic will once again be distributing medicine for free. After you’ve had your porridge, come by and get your dose!”
At these words, the crowd erupted into cheers.
For the first time, they truly felt the hope of survival.
Then, Qian Zhaoqian leaned in close to Gu Heng and whispered, “I’ll cover the cost of the medicine this time. Let me be the good guy for once.”
Gu Heng smiled.
“Very well, I’ll let you.”
Just then, a group of people approached. Gu Heng looked up and saw it was none other than Gu Changfan.
He had just returned from the magistrate’s office and happened to witness this scene.
Seeing him, Qian Zhaoqian stepped forward with a broad smile. “Congratulations, Lord Magistrate! You’ve raised a fine daughter!”
Gu Changfan glanced around and quickly understood the situation. Stroking his beard, he beamed with joy.
“If it weren’t for your second young lady giving us such a fine remedy, we wouldn’t have been able to save so many people! And now she’s even out here distributing porridge—she’s truly saving the people from fire and water!”
Hearing this, Gu Changfan’s heart bloomed with joy.
Everything Gu Heng had done today enhanced his public reputation without costing him a single coin. He had reaped all the benefits effortlessly—why wouldn’t he be pleased?
At this moment, he looked at Gu Heng and laughed heartily, praising her, “Good Heng’er! Well done!”
Gu Heng rolled her eyes internally but kept her expression soft. Since her Yiniang’s matter had not yet reached its conclusion, now was not the time to fall out with him. She simply gave a graceful bow.
“Thank you for the praise, Father. This is only what a daughter ought to do.”
After a few polite exchanges, Gu Changfan left with his people. Gu Heng and the others remained to continue distributing porridge.
By evening, the crowd gradually dispersed, and Gu Heng, Ah Zheng, and Ziyun returned to the residence.
As soon as they entered, Gu Changfan’s personal servant came up with a smile and said, “Second Young Lady, Young Master Shen, welcome back. A message just came from the main residence—Master invites you both to dine with him tonight.”
Gu Heng and Ah Zheng exchanged a glance.
Who knew what tricks they were up to this time—but right now, they couldn’t refuse.
Gu Heng sighed. “Very well, lead the way.”
A short while later, the two of them entered the main hall. As soon as they stepped inside, they saw Qin Rou and Gu Yue already seated. Even Gu Heng’s legitimate older brother, Gu Feng, was present today.
It had been some time since they’d last seen him. The shadows under his eyes had grown darker—he looked like someone indulging in excess.
Although he had inherited some of Gu Changfan’s refined features, his expression was greasy and vulgar, making one’s skin crawl.
This elder brother of hers never bothered with his studies, spending all day with his rowdy friends at brothels or gambling dens. He was rarely seen at home, but today, surprisingly, he showed up.
Seeing Gu Heng, Gu Changfan smiled and stroked his beard. “Come, sit down.”
Once they were seated, they saw that the table was fairly well set, though not a single meat dish was present.
Likely it was because the grandmother had just passed away. Her adopted father, Gu Changfan, was known for his reputation of filial piety and didn’t dare cross the line too soon.
Sure enough, the next moment, Gu Changfan said, “Heng’er, your grandmother will be buried tomorrow. After dinner, go pay your respects one last time.”
Gu Heng lowered her head, her mood a little gloomy. “Yes,” she answered softly.
Then Gu Changfan started praising her again. “But Heng’er, your act of distributing porridge on the streets today was done exceedingly well. Everyone is saying I’ve raised a fine daughter—you are the pride of our Gu household!”
As soon as he said this, the expressions of Qin Rou and Gu Yue instantly soured.
Gu Feng didn’t look displeased, however. He squinted, sizing up Gu Heng from head to toe.
It had been so long since he last saw her that his impression of her remained stuck in her childhood years. He’d never paid her much attention.
Now, seeing her again, she had clearly grown up. Though slender, her figure was graceful, especially that narrow waist—just a handful.
He couldn’t help swallowing hard and said, “Looks like our Little Sister Heng is not only beautiful but also kind-hearted. Truly a model for the women of the Gu family.”
Hearing this, Gu Yue pinched Gu Feng’s thigh hard.
Just as he was about to cry out, she stuffed a pastry in his mouth, silencing him immediately.
Gu Feng turned his head and saw Gu Yue glaring at him with eyes full of warning.
He was completely baffled.
Gu Heng had, of course, noticed his gaze, but given that she was still under someone else’s roof and her grandmother was to be buried tomorrow, it wasn’t the time to make a scene.
Beside her, Ah Zheng had already clenched his fists, veins bulging on his arms.
Had Gu Heng not tugged lightly at his sleeve, he wasn’t sure what he might have done in the next moment.
Sensing the awkward atmosphere at the table, Qin Rou spoke up first. “Indeed. Our Heng’er went to the zhuangzi and came back more mature. This is all thanks to Fu Yiniang’s years of teaching. Without her, Heng’er wouldn’t have grown into such an excellent child.”
Hearing the name “Fu Yiniang,” Gu Changfan’s smile instantly froze. His voice turned indifferent as he said, “Regardless of everything else, Heng’er has rendered merit this time. Starting next month, increase her monthly allowance by ten percent.”
Gu Heng couldn’t be bothered to guess what everyone else was thinking. She simply responded politely, “Thank you, Father.”
“No need for formalities. Let’s eat.”
The rest of the meal passed with everyone exchanging pleasantries. On the surface, at least, the atmosphere seemed harmonious.
After the meal, Gu Heng went to the ancestral hall to keep vigil for her grandmother. Ah Zheng accompanied her, kneeling with her through the night. Meanwhile, Gu Yue, the moment she returned to her courtyard, started smashing dishes and bowls, seething with rage.
“That little b*tch Gu Heng! All she did was cook some congee for those lowborns, and Father’s already praising her? She’s actually worthy?!”
Watching from the side, Qin Rou remained composed, sitting calmly as her daughter alternated between smashing things and berating the servants. Only when Gu Yue had vented herself into exhaustion did she slowly speak.
“Yue’er, have you finished your tantrum?”
Hearing this, Gu Yue became even angrier. She plopped down beside Qin Rou and said aggrievedly, “Mother, you saw it too! That Gu Heng clearly has no blood ties to our Gu family, yet Father now values her so much! Even my heartless brother is speaking in her favor!”
Qin Rou let out a cold snort. “You really think your brother admires her? He’s just blinded by her looks, that’s all.”
Gu Yue wiped her tears and grabbed Qin Rou’s hand, giving it a shake. “Even so, he clearly wants something from her! What if he truly takes her side in the future?”
“You—honestly, you lack patience. Look at that wh*re Fu Yiniang. Didn’t she also rely on her looks to charm your father, making him see nothing else? She strutted around this household like a queen. And now? She’s just a pile of bones and dust. Once dead, she became nothing.”
Gu Yue’s eyes flickered. “Mother… do you mean to… get rid of her? But that girl’s quite strange—she even survived falling off a cliff. Will it work?”
Qin Rou stroked Gu Yue’s hair gently, but her voice was laced with venom. “That just means your methods weren’t sharp enough. Still lacking a bit of fire.”
Hearing this, Gu Yue lit up with excitement. “So you’ve already made arrangements?”
“Mhm. Tonight will be her death night.”
As she said this, the gentle expression on Qin Rou’s face was peeled away, revealing a twisted and malevolent look. “She’s already lived far too long. It’s time she went down and kept that sl*t company in death.”
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