1774: Duke North 2

Duke North 2

"Duke North Mansion is a noble's residence. How can there be so few servants? There are many matters to attend to. Have we neglected taking care of you?" Gu Chaoyan inquired as she walked through the mansion.1

The former Lady Duke North had passed away, and Duke North had since remarried. There should have been someone in charge of the household. How could the mansion appear so deserted? It was unheard of in a place like this.

The servant remained composed, as Duke North had already provided them with prepared answers.

"Well, Phoenix Girl…" the servant hesitated.

"…"

"For one, Duke North has been preferring solitude since his last injury. And secondly, the current Lady Duke North is unwell and has been resting in her room, and we are uncertain when…" The servant trailed off, not providing further details. However, they added, "Rest assured, Phoenix Girl, Duke North Mansion is well-equipped. There is no need to worry."

Gu Chaoyan cast a sharp gaze at the servant.

She had arrived at this place incognito, with her true identity concealed from the public, not specifically to visit Duke North Mansion. The people here should be aware of her true title.

Why, then, did the servants persistently address her as Phoenix Girl?

Even her own staff, like Lingyun, who was not considered a formal maid and didn't adhere to court etiquette, would occasionally address her as "Elder Miss."

So, why did the servants from Duke North Mansion, who should have been properly trained, behave so casually?

Gu Chaoyan comprehended the situation after hearing the servant's explanation, but she didn't appreciate being addressed incorrectly.

"Don't call me Phoenix Girl; call me the Queen," Gu Chaoyan corrected firmly before continuing her walk towards the lobby.

As she proceeded, she observed that the plants were meticulously trimmed, indicating attention to detail. However, she noticed a conspicuous absence of servants.

Then, her gaze landed upon Duke North, who was seated in the lobby.

He maintained a posture with a straight back.

At first glance, Gu Chaoyan could discern a frighteningly pale complexion on Duke North, devoid of any color. He had visibly lost weight, with prominent cheekbones. The once sunny demeanor had been replaced by a somber and dark countenance.

Something was amiss. He did not appear to be in good health.

Could the poison still be lingering within his wounds?

But her messenger had assured her that he had been detoxified. So, what had transpired?

Gu Chaoyan approached him directly and stated, "Show me your hand. I will feel your pulse."

"You are still willing to walk into Duke North Mansion, aren't you?" Duke North looked at her, a glimmer of happiness in his eyes.

He was alluding to how she had rejected him when he had been poisoned before. He had intentionally poisoned himself as a means to manipulate her. Gu Chaoyan disliked being coerced, and she would never act under duress, even if she held genuine concern for others.

However, it seemed that he remained unconvinced by her previous actions.

Gu Chaoyan had no intention of engaging in such discussions. She held steadfast to her principles.

"Show me your hand. I will feel your pulse," Gu Chaoyan repeated, her tone conveying a sense of urgency.

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