Young Master Gao? Call me Little Grand Secretary!

"Do you know what you're saying? Guo Weize is your uncle. Although he's not a blood relative, according to etiquette he is a senior member of your maternal clan. You've assaulted and insulted him; that's a serious crime of filial impiety!"

Gao Qiu was filled with shock and anger. He cursed a few times, then suddenly realized what he had just said and pointed at him angrily, "Explain yourself clearly, what exactly does it mean to draw a mark on Liu Guojiu's neck? Don't try to evade the point!"

Gao Zhao wiped the spittle off his face, looking disgusted. "You, Gao Qiu, are a high-ranking official of the court. You act like this when things get tough. Don't you know that you need to keep your composure in important situations?"

That's incredibly rude, sir!

"First of all, I didn't offend anyone!" Gao Zhao set the tone for the incident, then continued, "I was enjoying fine wine and music at Fanlou when those two walked in! Before I could even process what was going on, they started hurling insults at me!"

"Sir, you know my temperament. I've never liked causing trouble. I just wanted to settle things peacefully and go home to swallow this bitter pill!"

Gao Zhao spoke with some emotion, his voice choked with sobs, "The lord's kindness to me is as heavy as a mountain, even more so than that of a biological father and son. I didn't want to cause him any trouble, so I shamelessly put on a smiling face, trying to let the matter drop. But who knew they would go even further, not only humiliating me but also cursing the lord!"

"This is intolerable! I know I am foolish and cannot bring honor to you, but how can I allow you to be humiliated because of me! So I retaliated..."

Gao Zhao no longer concealed anything and recounted the events of the night in detail, of course, he also focused on describing his psychological journey.

Such as how angry and frustrated he was when he was humiliated, and how he endured humiliation for the sake of the greater good!

And the other party was so arrogant and aggressive. Just seeing or hearing his face made me want to punch him!

Finally, he could no longer bear it and chose to explode. However, because he was mindful of Gao Qiu's status, he did not choose to kill them, but instead scared them and then stopped!

His description of the entire event fully demonstrates his strategic vision, his composure and decisiveness in the face of danger, as well as his respect and admiration for Gao Qiu!

After Gao Zhao finished speaking, he secretly gave himself a thumbs up!

I've already said all this, if you, Gao Qiu, still don't take the blame for me, then you're being too unreasonable!

If you really want to mess with me, don't blame me for striking first!

Gao Qiu listened for a while, then fell silent, looking thoughtful. Only after Gao Zhao finished speaking did he raise his head, looking at him with a complicated expression, and said quietly, "Who taught you this line?"

"My lord, everything I said is true!" Gao Zhao quickly protested.

Gao Qiu waved his hand. How could he not know what kind of person his son was?

This statement is an extreme attempt to shirk responsibility and shift blame; it's clearly something someone taught him, and it's impossible that he could have come up with it himself!

However, he was too lazy to delve into this trivial matter. It was nothing more than him having gained a lackey who could give him advice, and it wasn't a big deal!

The focus now is still on dealing with Guo Weize and Liu Guojiu!

He was well aware of Guo Weize's intentions. Over the years, Guo had deliberately provoked Gao Zhao and made trouble for him, humiliating him on various pretexts more than once or twice.

However, these were all minor skirmishes, nothing serious. Considering the Guo family and their in-law relationship, he didn't want to take it too seriously, and could only treat it as a test for Gao Zhao.

To be honest, I was quite pleased that Gao Zhao dared to fight back this time; at least it proved that he still had guts!

As for Liu Guojiu, he was relieved when he heard that Gao Zhao had not really hurt him!

If we were to kill or seriously injure him, this matter might become troublesome, as it would be bad for the government's reputation.

But if it's just to scare him a little, then it doesn't matter!

Do they really think the emperor will still pamper this noblewoman as before?

To be fair, Consort Liu was indeed quite capable. Back in the palace, she had the support of Empress Dowager Chongen, and in the outer court, she even got in touch with Zhang Shangying. She even used her favor to help Zhang Shangying rise to the position of prime minister!

She was indeed incredibly successful at that time and a strong contender for the Empress's position!

However, they ultimately fell short, losing to Empress Zheng, who had Zheng Juzhong as her ally.

Now, Empress Dowager Chong'en, who had attempted to rule from behind the curtain, has been forced to hang herself, and Zhang Shangying has also been demoted one after another. The situation is hopeless!

Even this imperial concubine is in dire straits; her favor has waned, and it is said that the emperor has not seen her for a long time!

Although the emperor still outwardly shows his affection for her, those who know him well know that this is just the emperor maintaining his image as a devoted lover!

If even she is like this, then let alone this inexplicable imperial brother-in-law!

Unless someone dies, the authorities won't pay any attention to it!

"This is a very troublesome matter! You should know how big of a mess you've made!" Gao Qiu tapped the table with a serious expression, intending to scare Gao Zhao so that he wouldn't dare to act recklessly again.

"Can you take my life?" Gao Zhao naturally had no idea what Gao Qiu was thinking. He was more concerned about his own safety. After all, this was a dark feudal society, and who knew how these privileged classes would do whatever they wanted!

"That won't happen!" Gao Qiu didn't want to exaggerate too much, lest he be easily exposed, and explained, "Since you didn't take his life, naturally no one can kill you!"

"That's good! Whew..." Gao Zhao breathed a sigh of relief. As long as they don't kill me, there's nothing to be afraid of!

Seeing his reckless attitude, Gao Qiu couldn't help but frown and say, "You think you're safe now? Do you know that some punishments are worse than death?"

Gao Zhao asked in surprise, "I have no official position, no job, and am all alone. What punishment could be worse than death? Could it be that I would be exiled for this?"

Gao Qiu slammed his fist on the table and said, "You forced Guo Weize to kneel, which is disobedience and insubordination. You can be expelled from the clan!"

"That serious?" Gao Zhao was shocked. Being expelled from the clan meant he was no longer Gao Yanei. Without that identity, his future actions would be difficult. He hurriedly protested, "I didn't force him; he knelt down himself!"

"Who would believe that!" Gao Qiu sneered, "If Guo Weize makes a scene, do you think people will believe you or him?"

"Alas, this is unreasonable!" Gao Zhao sighed helplessly, then looked at the composed Gao Qiu and suddenly said with a fawning smile, "Sir, you wouldn't just stand by and watch me fall into such a state, would you? If word gets out, you'll lose face!"

"Hmph!" Gao Qiu was truly taken aback by his words, but wanting to teach him a lesson, he coldly said, "I'll help you resolve Liu Guojiu's matter! As for Guo Weize's matter, I can point you in the right direction; whether it succeeds or not is up to you!"

"Please enlighten me, sir!"

"Tomorrow I'll have your mother invite Guo Weize over, and you can talk to him yourself..."

"good!"

Gao Zhao agreed without hesitation, his answer so readily that Gao Qiu had to remind him, "Think carefully about what you should say tonight!"

"Don't worry, sir! I'm the best at making peace with people!" Gao Zhao patted his chest, full of confidence.