The Eastern Lord, Gu Zhihan (Part 1)

Aman spoke up again, "There's a saying that some people can't recognize true gems even if they are right in front of them. They mistake pearls for fish eyes. You ignore a pearl-like Lady Yu, yet you're drawn to a worthless fish eye!"

Huo Yuan couldn't bear to hear their belittlement of his relationship with Murong Rui. His eyes narrowed as he glared at the two women, but Aman and Amei were unafraid. They weren't afraid of him because he was not their master.

Huo Yuan's gaze then shifted to Murong Yu, who sat calmly as if she hadn't heard a thing, utterly ignoring her maids' insolence. He hadn't been treated with such disdain before.

That irked Huo Yuan, who retorted sharply, "Whether it's a pearl or a fish eye depends on the beholder. In my eyes, Rui'er is the one and only pearl in this world. Some people, no matter how grand and beautiful they may appear, are not even worth a fish eye."

With that, Huo Yuan left, flustered.

"My lady, did you hear what that scoundrel said?" Aman and Amei were so furious they were trembling.

But Murong Yu just gave a faint smile. She couldn't help but marvel at Murong Rui's ingenuity. Although she had never held Huo Yuan in high regard, she had to admit that Murong Rui's skill in winning his devotion was impressive.

Even with Huo Yuan's family on the brink, he still chose love over reviving his clan. Murong Yu couldn't help but wonder if this was what the people meant by risking all for love.

Murong Yu shook her head, wondering what had ever drawn her to Huo Yuan. With her maids, she made her way home, pondering his pleasant manners and undeniably good looks.

However, en route, a man suddenly burst into their carriage!

Both Aman and Amei went pale, readying themselves to defend Murong Yu.

"Stay still!" the man commanded coldly.

Aman and Amei turned as white as sheets upon seeing a dagger at Murong Yu's throat.

Murong Yu glanced at the intruder. His features were so finely crafted they seemed chiseled by an artist—so striking that even women would pale in comparison. Most importantly, she recognized him.

In addition to the future Northern Lord, Ji Chengxuan, there were three other lords—the Southern Lord, the Western Lord, and the Eastern Lord.

The man before Murong Yu was the future Eastern Lord, Gu Zhihan! A force to be reckoned with, even compared to Ji Chengxuan.

As Gu Zhihan's blade lay cold and sharp against Murong Yu's neck, she felt her skin prick up in fear.

Yet Murong Yu remained composed. She said, "I'm just a helpless woman, with no reason to be your enemy. If you're hiding from someone, I can make it convenient for you."

The Gu family resided in the Eastern region. Murong Yu didn't know who he was before in her previous life. Now that she knew, she pretended to be a stranger and kept it to herself.

"Find a safe place," Gu Zhihan replied, his eyes reflecting a touch of surprise at her calm demeanor.

"I own a secluded little estate on Prosper Street, where I usually enjoy flowers and birds. You can recuperate there," suggested Murong Yu.

"What do you mean by this?" Gu Zhihan's eyes narrowed dangerously, the dagger edging even closer to her smooth, white neck.

"Stop it!" Aman and Amei cried out in fear.

"Shut up!" commanded Gu Zhihan. The two maids were silenced as if someone had just choked them.