Gu Lan recalled the story and wondered what kind of trauma the male lead had experienced in his childhood. Not only did he show no pity for the female characters in the book, but he also seemed particularly averse to them, almost as if he could cut down a child with a single stroke.
Although the original minor male character turned into a female supporting character, fortunately, it was fine as long as the male lead believed she was male.
Gu Lan couldn't proactively ask why the original character disguised as male, so he could only silently observe.
Zijin was the first-class maid who had served Young Master Gu since childhood, loyal and talented, and through her narrative, Gu Lan understood the cause and effect of the original character's fall into the water.
It turned out that half a month ago, a piece of good news came from the Southern Border of Yan Country. Prince Rui led the army to a great victory over the enemy's force of one hundred thousand, capturing the enemy's Crown Prince at the front lines!
Prince Rui, the Emperor's elder brother, had increased his prestige with the great victory at the Southern Border. Coincidentally, Prince Rui's princely heir reached the age to enter the Imperial Family, and according to the rules, a suitable aristocratic peer had to be selected as a companion for the young prince.
Naturally, the requirements for the young prince's companion also increased.
——They must be of similar age, exceptionally talented, possess outstanding qualities and appearance... The most important thing is that their status must match!
After picking and selecting, Gu Lan, who idly spent his days in the capital raising fighting cocks and feeding birds, became the best candidate.
But Young Master Gu was unwilling!
Dingyuan Marquis was appointed as the General of the North, a long-standing military leader of Yan Country. As the legitimate son of the Marquis Mansion, how could Gu Lan be willing to become Prince Rui's princely heir's companion.
Moreover, the young prince was only eight years old, and Young Master Gu was female.
Three days ago, the Empress Dowager issued an imperial decree summoning the Young Master to the palace for an audience, saying there was a need to meet the princely heir to foster affection. Who would have known that passing through the Imperial Garden, Young Master was pushed into the water by the former Emperor's Fifth Prince and fainted until today.
"Wait, who did you say pushed me into the water?"
Hearing the name of the former Emperor's Fifth Prince, Gu Lan interrupted Zijin's words, pressing his fingertip tightly and couldn't help his heart racing.
Zijin said indignantly, "It was indeed the former Emperor's Fifth Prince... Rong Heng."
Gu Lan was stunned.
The former Emperor should only have one Fifth Prince, right?
Does the book have anyone other than the male lead named Rong Heng?
Was it the male lead who pushed her into the water? How could that be!
Gu Lan fell into brief contemplation and then asked, "Given the identity of the former Emperor's prince, Zijin, why can you call his name directly?"
Yan Country had strict hierarchical rules, with taboos on the royal family's names. Zijin was merely a maid, yet she could casually call Rong Heng's name.
The original book did not mention the male lead's initial identity, only stating that the Emperor had temporarily commanded his fifth brother to serve as the Imperial Envoy in the campaign.
She once speculated that before the campaign, Rong Heng might have been an aloof prince.
But now it seemed there were other unknowns.
Zijin said helplessly, "Master really should enter the Imperial Family to study history. Even a maid knows that seven years ago, Pingnan Marquis secretly conspired against the state and was exposed, the entire Xiao family was executed, and Pingnan Marquis's youngest daughter Mrs. Xiao was Rong Heng's mother!
Rong Heng is the grandson of a traitor; there's no need for taboos."
Gu Lan's eyes darkened, unconsciously frowning.
Rong Heng's maternal grandfather was a traitor?
Gu Lan had skimmed through the book and hadn't noticed the male lead's background, she didn't expect him to be a criminal before the plot unfolded?
"Rong Heng dared to harm you by causing you to fall into the water, he is utterly bad—Master, what are you doing!"
Before Zijin could finish speaking, Gu Lan had already lifted the quilt and jumped off the bed, slipping on his shoes, not at all like a patient who had been unconscious for three days and nights.
"Who told you it was Rong Heng who pushed me into the water!"
"When you were sent back to the mansion, the Second Prince was continuously proclaiming that he saw it with his own eyes. You have always had a good relationship with the Second Prince, and Madam naturally believed him..."
Second Prince—
He was the same type of minor character as herself, not even worthy of carrying Rong Heng's shoes!
"So, what happened to Rong Heng now?"
"It's said that he has already been convicted and sent to the Imperial Prison by the Emperor." Zijin answered nervously, unsure why Gu Lan suddenly cared so much about an irrelevant person.
So, because the original character's typical relationship with the Second Prince, both the Emperor and the Marquis Mansion believed the Second Prince. If she did not explain, it would be assumed that the male lead pushed herself, inexplicably making the original character indirectly offend the male lead.
"I accidentally fell into the water myself; it has nothing to do with Rong Heng. I'll go and clarify."
A tint of blush appeared on Gu Lan's otherwise pale face, her eyes sinking a bit.
She used to admire the personality and actions of the paper character male lead as a reader, but now, Rong Heng was put in the Imperial Prison because of the original character.
Who knew if the male lead would endure torture or coercion and whether he would hold it against her!
Gu Lan recalled the description in the book that the male lead never forgave offenses...
"Master, Master, slow down a bit, your body hasn't recovered yet—"
Before Zijin could finish speaking, Gu Lan felt a dull pain in her lower abdomen, far more uncomfortable than the previous headache.
Her face suddenly paled slightly, and she had no choice but to support the chair and stop her steps.
After thinking for two seconds, Gu Lan realized that this body was having its "monthly cycle."
Zijin observed her complexion, blinked, and carefully pulled Gu Lan's sleeve, whispering in her ear: "Young Master, according to the dates, you should be having your period today. Please allow me to find you a menstrual belt."
At such a close distance, Gu Lan's ears felt slightly itchy. She initially retreated a little out of discomfort, then her brow twitched.
It turns out this maid knew the original was a woman, which is why she got so close.
Gu Lan placed her hands on her knees and sat down obediently, her watery eyes warm and pure.
Since even Young Master Gu's female identity was known, it proves that Zijin is absolutely trustworthy.
However, she still felt strange, why did the original have to disguise as a man?
She already knew that Dingyuan Marquis had only one child, and Young Master's mother was the Marchioness who had just visited, and the Marquis Mansion had no other concubine, so there was no situation of female disguise to fight for favor. Considering the level of excitement and concern the woman showed for Gu Lan's awakening, it likely wasn't a matter of preferring sons over daughters.
No matter how much one prefers sons over daughters, would they let their daughter live as a man for over ten years?
After tidying up and drinking a large bowl of hot ginger soup cooked by Zijin, Gu Lan's abdomen finally felt a little better.
She rubbed her abdomen, secretly estimating; now this body is worlds apart from before. Though the original was disguised as male, she was pampered since young, lacking in both literature and martial arts. From now on, she still needs to regulate her health.
"Young Master, the Madam is here!"
A report came from outside the door, and the Duchess Dingyuan, dressed in a simple robe, walked to the bed.
Behind her, two maids each carried a black sandalwood food box, sequentially opening them in front of Gu Lan and taking out the evening meal to set on the table.
A plate of delicate side dishes, white porcelain round plates, and jade bowls reflecting extraordinary dishes, the aroma of the meal wafting, Gu Lan's nose twitched, her mood gradually calming.
Since Rong Heng has already been sent to the Imperial Prison, there's no rush to clear up the facts. She doesn't believe there would be any major issue with Rong Heng having the protagonist aura.
It's just uncertain what the protagonist thinks of her.
Gu Lan rubbed her hands, decisively picked a piece of stir-fried meat and placed it in her mouth.
Above all else, eating is paramount.
The protagonist won't be in trouble for a while; health is the capital of revolution.
Only then did she carefully observe the original's mother, Zhou Wanqing.
Zhou Wanqing is well-maintained, with a simple and elegant makeup, her black hair adorned with only two gold pendants and jade hairpins, her looks moderately bright, but her demeanor was gentle and tranquil, appearing little over thirty.
In the book, she's referred to as Madam Zhou.
Young Master Gu inherited his mother's delicate looks with red lips and white teeth, exuding a sense of flirtation between the brows and eyes.
That upward-tilting eye corner gleaming with aqueous light, only the high nose bridge and a hint of heroism in the eyes betrayed the disguise; otherwise, female disguise might not have succeeded.
Gu Lan instinctively touched her throat, slightly dazed.
A piece of some unknown material was stuck to the neck as an "Adam's apple," truly professional for female disguise.
"Lan, is there anywhere you're still uncomfortable? Do not worry; after falling into the water, just recuperate well at home, no need to fret about other matters. Even if I have to search everywhere for famous doctors, I won't let you develop any chronic ailment,"
Madam Zhou looked at Gu Lan's pale face full of heartbreak, her words filled with care.
Living two lives, Gu Lan had never been cared for like this.
She had no mother, nor any family.
Gu Lan looked at Madam Zhou's gentle face, a warm stream surged through her heart, she slightly bowed her head, avoiding Madam Zhou's intense gaze.
"Thank you... I'm fine."
For a moment, she wasn't yet able to utter the word mother.
However, just those few simple words made Madam Zhou's worried and saddened eyes suddenly widen.
"Lan, Lan'er..." Madam Zhou's lips trembled; she didn't mind Gu Lan not calling her mother, her eyes filled with immense joy.
Lan'er today unexpectedly took the initiative to thank her.
Madam Zhou's nose felt sore as she personally picked up the nearby wooden spoon to serve Gu Lan some soup, her actions cautious, as if afraid of upsetting her daughter.
"This meat soup is said by the Imperial Physician to be just right for Lan'er to consume. I had the kitchen simmer it over a slow fire for nearly two hours; it's just right to drink now. Do try it, see if it suits your taste?"
Gu Lan didn't refuse, received the jade bowl, scooped up a spoonful and swallowed, nodding slightly.
The meat soup was rich and flavorful, delicious indeed, making her glad the author set this in an ancient fantasy rather than some primitive society lacking essentials.
Madam Zhou smiled joyfully.
It seems the original's relationship with her mother wasn't great.
Just a bite of the soup she feeds makes her as happy as a hundred-pound child.