228 Chapter 228 A Hidden Problem
“I would prefer a female teacher who specializes in training the girls of prominent families. I would want someone good at music, chess, calligraphy, painting, embroidery, and cooking. The main lesson would be teaching etiquette and virtue.” Gu Ziyi replied.
Gu Chengrui immediately understood what she meant. He nodded and said, “Alright. I’ll ask around later.
“However, if you want a live-in teacher, I’m afraid the cost will not be low.”
“I know, but I can’t delay my child’s education. Just go ahead and find one.”
“Alright,” Gu Chengrui nodded.
After that, the three exchanged a few more polite words, and Zhou Ying remembered that she had wanted to return home sooner. They didn’t stay for long after that.
On the way back, Zhou Ying said, “It seems that it was better for her to move out. At least she doesn’t have to deal with the others.”
“To save face, you have to suffer. The public safety in these ancient times can’t be compared to that in our modern times.
“When people discover that she’s living alone with her two children, she will know how much trouble she will be in then.
“Of course, it’s fine if she wants to use force to solve these problems.” Gu Chengrui said.
Zhou Ying did not say anything after hearing that. She had lived alone for a few years, so she naturally understood the troubles of doing so. She only hoped Gu Ziyi could stay strong and establish a good family. Otherwise, she had to return to the village.
Sure enough, something happened five days later. As Zhou Ying and Gu Chengrui prepared to head home for the evening, Gu Ziyi’s old maid, Aunt Mei, hurried over. “Young master, madam, please save my madam.”
“Tell me what’s going on so I can make the arrangements.” Gu Chengrui said.
“Um…” Aunt Mei looked around as she hesitated.
Seeing this, Zhou Ying knew that she had some concerns. She turned around and said, “Follow me.”
Gu Chengrui had no choice but to tie the carriage to a crooked tree at the side and enter with them.
Finally, the three entered a private room on the second floor. After sitting down, Gu Chengrui said, “Aunt Mei, tell me what happened.”
“This morning, a matchmaker brought a middle-aged man to the madam’s house to propose marriage. After the madam rejected him, she thought that everything would be fine.
“Who knew that this man brought a few men to the door in the afternoon and forced madam to agree, or they would ruin madam’s reputation.”
“Ruin her reputation? Did he say what he was going to do?” Gu Chengrui asked in confusion.
Bai Jingping had been cracking down on anyone who was unruly. Who would dare to act up at this time? Were they not afraid of being caught?
They weren’t even being just unruly at this point. This was clearly a threat.
“He said… He said that the madam was his escaped concubine.” Aunt Mei stammered.
“His escaped concubine? Aunty Mei, are you hiding something from us?” Zhou Ying asked after being dumbfounded by the answer.
“I’m not.” Aunt Mei said, shaking her head.
However, her eyes were obviously avoiding her; she wasn’t telling the truth.
Seeing this, Zhou Ying said sternly, “Hu Ziyi is a girl of the Gu family. If something happens to her, we will not stand by and do nothing. But we will not rush up and help you if you are hiding something.”
“Indeed, this matter doesn’t seem right. You’d better hurry up and explain yourself. Otherwise, we really can’t help you.” Gu Chengrui echoed.
He wasn’t stupid, as her words were obviously full of loopholes. He couldn’t just blindly follow them, or else the couple would be the ones who suffered.
“I….” Seeing that they did not believe her, Aunt Mei became anxious.
However, she also knew they weren’t easy to fool, so she was so anxious that her forehead was covered in a cold sweat.
When Zhou Ying saw this, she knew something was going on, and it wasn’t a small matter. She continued persuading her, “Don’t try to find excuses to lie to us. Just tell us the truth. Otherwise, how can we help you when we don’t know anything?”