In ancient times, the powerful and wealthy seized power step by step.

This wasn't the first time Gu Zhao had talked to Zhu Qingyu about taking responsibility; he had mentioned it before at the clinic.

Different societies shape different values.

Between the two lies a worldview and philosophy of life that are vastly different, spanning from feudal society to modern society.

Behind this formidable barrier lies a profound historical limitation, which, when applied to the insignificant individual, results in a completely skewed and contradictory understanding of the meaning of responsibility.

Gu Zhao believed that he had made a solemn promise, but this promise made Zhu Qingyu's heart sink to the bottom.

She didn't try to change his values ​​or argue with him about how becoming his concubine in the Duke's mansion was not a favor but a humiliation for her.

When you are powerless to change things and have no intention of changing them, the best approach is to avoid provoking them.

Last time, she could use her status as a married woman to righteously refuse him, but this time, Zhu Qingyu didn't dare to mention those four words at all. What if he said again, "You don't have to be a married woman, and if you're not, then you'll agree," and then put that "not" into practice?

He has both the will and the ability; Zhu Qingyu dares not gamble on the possibility of something going wrong.

When things are urgent, take it slow; when things are slow, things will turn out smoothly.

He's in the mood right now, and since he said he'd give her time, she'd better not argue with him or anger him.

Take it slow, calm him down first, she will eventually find a solution.

Zhu Qingyu did not directly respond to Gu Zhao's question about their future relationship, but instead said:

"Shouming, I said I wouldn't go back to the Zhang family, and I won't."

Once a person has hope, they have something to look forward to. With something to look forward to, they can temporarily accept the unsatisfactory status quo and fantasize that this unsatisfactory situation is only temporary and will eventually change.

Gu Zhao felt immensely comforted by Zhu Qingyu's promise not to return to the Zhang family, and was overwhelmed with joy.

The pleasure he felt from that promise even surpassed the joy he had experienced when their lips met and their bodies were pressed together.

If they could love each other, why would he force her?

Ultimately, he still hoped that her presence by his side was of her own free will, rather than something she was forced to do due to circumstances.

Gu Zhao was both excited and elated, emotions he rarely experienced, even in his youth. He was now filled with anticipation for their future relationship, and this anticipation filled him with tenderness, understanding, and patience.

He temporarily suppressed his desire to crush her, and looking at Zhu Qingyu, who was hiding under the covers and whose body he had made a mess of, Gu Zhao felt very remorseful and said with tenderness and pity:

"I'm so sorry, I lost my temper just now. I'll definitely be more careful and treat you better in the future. I'll get you some clothes to change into, then we'll go eat. You must be hungry, right?"

Gu Zhao reverted to his usual refined and elegant self, even considerately stepping aside after fetching clothes for Zhu Qingyu, leaving the enclosed space of the cabin for her.

After confirming that Gu Zhao had left, Zhu Qingyu threw off the covers, jumped off the bed, and ran to the spot where Gu Zhao had just taken his clothes.

Since it's on a ship, the cabin space isn't as spacious as in a house. In such a limited space, anything that could be brought on board and placed in Gu Zhao's cabin must be of great importance.

Zhu Qingyu arrived at the boat empty-handed, without bringing any change of clothes or anything like that. However, there were several large trunks piled up where Master Gu had just taken his clothes.

None of the boxes were locked. She opened one at random, and it was full of women's clothes. She opened another box, and it was the same. She opened a third box, and it was still the same.

It contains not only various summer and autumn outer garments and skirts, but also a full range of undergarments and lingerie.

I picked out two pieces at random and saw that they were made of the finest materials and were tailored to her figure.

Which is the cause? Which is the effect?

Zhang Shen's accident happened just last night. If Gu Zhao was unaware of it beforehand and only came up with this idea after Zhang Shen's accident, it would be impossible for him to conjure up several large boxes of clothes that perfectly fit her figure in such a short time, even if he invited the Weaver Girl from heaven down.

It is obvious that Gu Zhao was aware of the Embroidered Uniform Guard's affairs, and it is even very likely that he was the one who orchestrated it.

Zhang Shen's life is truly in Lord Gu's hands. He was lying to her when he said the Embroidered Uniform Guard didn't go through him.

However, another sharp sword fell to the ground, and she even lost the thought of being shocked.

On the bright side, at least her decision to board the ship was the right one. Her only worry was whether Zhang Shen's health could withstand the hardships of the journey and the suffering in prison, and whether he could wait until she arrived in the capital.

Just then, Gu Zhao knocked on the door and asked a question:

"Qingyu".

Zhu Qingyu was still holding the clothes in her hand, worried that he would push the door open and catch her red-handed, so she replied:

"Please don't come in, Shouming. Please wait a moment, I'm still changing."

Perhaps misunderstanding Zhu Qingyu's meaning, Gu Zhao chuckled and said in a gentle tone:

"Don't panic, I won't come in. I just wanted to ask if you can change your clothes yourself since you're injured? Or would you like me to arrange for a maid to help you?"

After carefully folding the two garments and putting them back, Zhu Qingyu quietly closed the box and replied:

"No need, I can do it myself, please wait a moment."

After changing her clothes, Zhu Qingyu pushed open the door and went out.

Gu Zhao was waiting for her outside the door. When she came out, he first looked at her clothes, then at her hair, and naturally took her hand and said:

"Your hair is a little messy, but that's alright. Eating is the priority. After you finish eating, have a maid help you wash up again."

Zhu Qingyu had also visited the government office several times, and apart from his personal attendant, she had never seen him use any maids, which made her somewhat curious:

"A maid from your household? I've never seen her before."

Gu Zhao led her to the dining table and sat down opposite her, gesturing for her to eat as he casually remarked:

"I bought it in Yangzhou. I thought you might need it."

Zhu Qingyu paused with her chopsticks, then casually picked up a piece of food from the nearest plate and ate it.

Making clothes and buying maids both require advance planning.

Lord Gu's actions towards her were premeditated.

It's okay, it's okay.

Zhu Qingyu ate her food silently, giving herself a mental pep talk: it's okay, there will be a way, she'll figure something out.

It would take a month to travel from Yangzhou to the capital by water. In that month, she would figure out a way to both rescue Zhang Shen and extricate herself from the situation.