The whole family died tragically? The eldest daughter is the most powerful in the capital after her

Hearing this, Lin Ruoxue's eyes were filled with pity. She held her sister's hand and consoled her gently, "Second sister's story is indeed heartbreaking, but it's just an isolated case. Ruoxuan, not everyone will have children like her. Besides, Nanyuan treats you so well. If you tell him your true thoughts, he will definitely understand."

"But..." Lin Ruoxuan bit her lip and whispered, "He has such high expectations for the child. I'm really afraid that he will be angry, or even... disappointed."

Lin Ruoqiao sighed, her tone filled with urgency: "Ruoxuan, this matter will have to be told sooner or later. Instead of hiding it and waiting for him to find out later, why don't you take the initiative to tell him clearly. Nanyuan loves you deeply, how could he not understand your fear and concerns? If a rift arises between you because of this matter, it will be more trouble than gain."

Lin Ruoxue nodded in agreement: "Ruoqiao is right. The most important thing between husband and wife is honesty. If Nanyuan really loves you, he won't care about not having children for a while. What he wants most should be that you feel at ease and happy."

Lin Ruoxuan was silent for a moment, then looked up at her two sisters and nodded gently: "You are right, I can't go on like this. When I go back, I will talk to Nan Yuan clearly."

Lin Ruoxue finally showed a relaxed smile on her face and patted her sister's hand: "This is our Ruoxuan. It is much better for the couple to face anything together than for you to bear it alone."

Lin Ruoqiao also laughed and said jokingly, "I really want to know if the prince will hug you and be speechless when he finds out."

Lin Ruoxuan smiled at her tone, and the tension in her eyes eased a little: "I hope so. I also hope that he will be as good as you say."

The atmosphere in the room gradually became relaxed, and the three sisters knew in their hearts that although this step was difficult, it was necessary.

As soon as Lin Ruoxuan returned to the Gu Mansion, she noticed that the atmosphere was strange.

The servants and maids who usually laugh and joke in the courtyard are now all busy with their heads down, looking extremely tense.

Occasionally their eyes met, but they quickly looked away, not daring to say much.

At this time, the maid in the old lady's courtyard appeared in front of her and bowed her head respectfully: "Madam, the old lady wants to see you, please follow me."

Lin Ruoxuan paused slightly, frowned slightly, but did not ask any more questions. She nodded and followed.

Walking all the way to the old lady's yard, as soon as she stepped over the threshold, a strong smell of blood hit her in the face, causing Lin Ruoxuan to pause slightly.

Looking up, I saw a maid lying in the middle of the yard. There was almost no good meat on her body. She was covered in blood and her clothes were already soaked in blood.

What was even more shocking was that her face had been destroyed beyond all recognition, blood and flesh were tangled, and it was impossible to tell what it originally looked like.

The courtyard was completely silent, with only the maid's faint breathing and occasional sobbing, which was frightening.

Princess Lin and the old lady sat upright on the chairs in the middle, their expressions stern and their eyes filled with chilling majesty.

The ladies from other rooms sat on both sides, with different expressions, some looked reluctant, while others were indifferent.

The young ladies and unmarried girls sat quietly on the other side, with their heads lowered, not daring to look up at the center of the yard.

Lin Ruoxuan, with an obedient appearance, came to the side of the wife of the Duke of Zhenguo and bowed respectfully, "Mother."

The wife of the Duke of Zhenguo had a kind look on her face and nodded slightly to the nanny behind her.

The nanny understood what she meant and immediately brought a carved sandalwood chair, placed it next to the wife of the Duke of Zhenguo, and invited Lin Ruoxuan to sit down.

She patted Lin Ruoxuan's hand gently and said softly, "Sit down, sit with your mother."

Lin Ruoxuan nodded in thanks, then sat down on the chair gracefully, side by side with the wife of the Duke of Zhenguo.

This scene immediately attracted the attention of the other daughters-in-law, and envy flashed in their eyes.

They have been married into the Gu family for quite some time, but have never received such courtesy.

Some people sighed softly, while others bit their lips secretly, with mixed emotions.

At this time, the old lady cleared her throat and spoke slowly, "Yesterday, Prince Lin and Princess Lin stayed at home. It was a happy event, but who would have thought that there would be a shameless slave with bad intentions, even wanting to climb into Prince Lin's bed! This absurd matter will be dealt with in this courtyard today, and it will also teach everyone in the family a lesson."

She swept her eyes over the crowd, and said sternly and coldly: "Whether you are a daughter-in-law or an unmarried girl, you should remember that the Gu family's tradition never allows such despicable behavior. Those who want to fly up to the tree and become a phoenix should give up the idea as soon as possible! Although the concubines of the Gu family are concubines, they all come from honest and upright families, and they have never done such dirty and despicable things."

When the maid heard what the old lady said, she was terrified. She forced herself to kneel down and begged, "Old lady, please look carefully! I have never thought of seducing Prince Lin! Yesterday, Prince Lin... He was drunk and took me by force! I am really wronged!"

As soon as these words were spoken, the whole audience was shocked.

The ladies from several rooms looked at each other, some frowned with disdain, while others looked like they were watching a show and whispered to each other.

Princess Lin's face suddenly darkened, and her voice was cold: "Nonsense! How could such a filthy thing as you say happen when I slept with the prince? You are obviously seeing that the truth has been revealed, and you are making random accusations to protect yourself!"

Upon hearing this, the maid was so frightened that she kowtowed repeatedly, blood dripping down her forehead, and her voice was miserable: "Princess, I am not talking nonsense! I am just a servant, how dare I have improper thoughts about the prince? Please, old lady, please look into it!"

The old lady looked at him coldly, her expression unchanged. She raised her hand to stop Princess Lin from continuing to speak: "That's enough. There's no need to listen to her explanation anymore."

Her eyes were as sharp as a knife, and she shouted, "Come here, beat this slave to death with a stick! Let everyone in the courtyard see that if you dare to do such an inappropriate thing, there is only one end!"

The sound of caning could be heard in the yard, and each blow seemed to hit people's hearts. The screams echoed miserably, making people shudder.

Lin Ruoxuan sat on the chair, holding the embroidered handkerchief tightly in both hands, and her face gradually turned pale.

In her mind, vague memories surged again. It was the scene of Wang Yanqing's heart-wrenching screams and blood splattering during childbirth...

Her breathing became more and more rapid, and her chest felt like it was being pressed by a huge rock. She was so nervous that she was shaking slightly.

She turned to look at the wife of the Duke of Zhenguo beside her and whispered, "Mother, I feel a little unwell. I want to leave first and go back to my room to rest."

The wife of the Duke of Zhenguo noticed her pale face, frowned slightly, and asked softly: "Are you feeling unwell? Why do you look so bad?"

Lin Ruoxuan lowered her head, her tone full of apology: "Yes, maybe this scene was too tragic, I couldn't bear it."

The wife of the Duke of Zhenguo nodded, her eyes understanding, and she soothed him softly, "You have always been soft-hearted. This caning is indeed a bit bloody, and it is normal to feel uncomfortable. In this case, go back and rest first, don't force yourself."

She turned around and told the maid beside her: "Go, have someone take the mistress back to her room and serve her well. Don't be negligent."