Chapter 508 — Turning the Tables
Purple Streets of Chang'an · Page 2 of 4
Chen Jia said, "The Embroidered Uniform Guard has vanished without a trace; the Prince of Liao most likely has more tricks up his sleeve. It's too dangerous for you to stay here, Sister-in-law. And this place is foul with blood. Best let Young Master Gu escort you away to take shelter in the Divine Pivot Camp. When the capital is at peace again, I'll come to bring you home."
Dou Yan nodded and cautioned him, "You be careful too—and don't try to play the hero!"
Chen Jia answered with a smile, "Yes."
But Gu Yu said, "I'll go with you to the capital."
"No!" The objection flew from Dou Yan's lips before she could think. Only then did she realize—if the Prince of Liao's coup failed, would not Gu Yu be taken for a kinsman of the traitor? Never mind the way he had once swaggered through the capital on the strength of imperial favor in her former life; now even his life might be in danger.
Her face went white.
For Gu Yu, this was no time to seek merit—only to avoid fault.
He must not be dragged into this affair.
Best that he know nothing at all...
Thinking of Gu Yu's temperament and the pained way he had crouched on the ground clutching his head a moment ago, Dou Yan raised her voice and ordered Duan Bing, "Tie Young Master Gu up for me!"
Everyone in the room was stunned, and they exchanged uneasy glances.
But Gu Yu only smiled—a smile that seemed especially bleak.
"Master Duan, I know you're my sister-in-law's guard, and I won't put you in a difficult spot," he said, and bringing his hands together, held them out before Duan Bing. "I won't run away. Just make a show of it—no need to truss me up like a bundle. In all my years, I've never suffered such humiliation!"
Duan Bing chuckled and turned to fetch a hemp rope.
Gu Yu lowered his eyelids, turned his face away, and put his back to Dou Yan.
Chen Jia opened his mouth, then thought better of it.
Chen Lanxu and the others stared at Dou Yan without blinking.
The atmosphere was rather odd.
But Duan Bing, as though he noticed nothing strange, bound Gu Yu, who offered no resistance at all.
Dou Yan said to Duan Bing, "I remember the Heir Apparent gave you a waist tablet that lets you pass through the city gates and markets without being questioned. Take Young Master Gu quietly back to Tianjin this very moment. Whatever you do, don't let anyone discover that he has been back to the capital..."
The whole room was astonished.
Dou Yan pretended not to see it, and only instructed Duan Bing further, "Young Master Gu is in an awkward position now, and there's no certain word from the Heir Apparent's side. If it's possible to beg mercy from the Emperor and the Crown Prince, well and good—but if not, then find some way to send Young Master Gu overseas. Let him hide for a few years; he's still growing, his looks will change, and he can come back under another name..."
Duan Bing answered with a smile, "Very well," but Gu Yu began to struggle violently. "I'm not going to Tianjin! At worst, a life for a life—what have I to fear! My aunt has been as good to me as a mountain, and how could I abandon her at such a time? The Cloudsun Estate has no place for me anyway—I won't skulk about and live in fear! In twenty years, I'll be a hero again!"
Dou Yan paid him no mind at all, and said to Duan Bing, "Look at that—isn't it all childish prattle? I'm entrusting him to you for the whole journey! Once you reach Tianjin, don't be in a hurry to come back. Stay with Young Master Gu a few days, and when matters on the Heir Apparent's side are settled, act as the circumstances require!"
Duan Yigong laughed. "Rest assured, Madam. I will deliver Young Master Gu safely to Tianjin."
Dou Yan nodded.
Gu Yu was still shouting, but when he looked into Dou Zhiwei's eyes, he understood.
Dou Yan said, "Gag him."
Gu Yu's eyes went wide.