Who would have thought that their own home would be so full of life, it could even be renamed Dingyuan Marquis Mansion!

Rong Yunhao glanced up at the plaque in the inner hall, confirming that this was indeed Prince Rui’s mansion.

"Your father is my elder brother, my father is also your father’s brother. Now that your younger brother is in trouble, how can an elder brother not help?" Young Master Gu said earnestly.

Rong Yunhao was somewhat confused by Gu Lan’s explanation of the familial relations, yet he was still dumbfounded: "This young prince just heard from Hei that the Inner Supervision and the imperial guard are both searching all over the Capital City for you, and you actually brought your whole family to hide in this young prince’s house!"

Gu Lan decisively shoved a piece of almond crisp into his open mouth, spread his hands, looking quite innocent.

"I didn’t know beforehand that You Ying would place us here... doesn’t this further prove that your home is indeed a good place."

Rong Yunhao ate the almond crisp with tears in his eyes, sorrowfully asking: "Does this young prince’s actions count as treason, colluding with rebels, and becoming a rebel?"

"This is not called rebellion, this is called upholding justice against evil, supporting the state, and the righteousness of governing the country," Gu Lan smiled slightly, patting the young prince’s shoulder to console him.

Rong Yunhao didn’t seem consoled, looking thoughtful: "Women are truly terrifying, oh well, this young prince will listen to elder sister’s words."

Gu Lan: "That’s the spirit, your elder sister is probably on her way back to the Capital City with Brother Hang right now, you’ll be able to meet them in a few days."

Rong Yunhao blinked his big eyes, the corners of his mouth still covered with almond crisp crumbs, and said: "Gu Lan, I wasn’t calling Rong Baoyi elder sister, I was calling you! Don’t try to fool me anymore, now everyone knows you are a woman!"

As he spoke, he scrutinized Gu Lan from head to toe, sighing: "But this young prince still can’t tell where you resemble a woman."

Although Brother Lan was born more beautiful than most women, her actions and mannerisms didn’t have the slightest hint of femininity, now wearing men’s clothing, making it even harder for Rong Yunhao to discern.

A vein throbbed on Gu Lan’s forehead: "...Do you know what to do when a younger brother is disobedient?"

Rong Yunhao swallowed, fearfully asking back: "Wh-what should be done?"

"Just give him a beating."

"All right Lan, stop joking with Yunhao, although hiding in Prince Rui’s mansion is safe for now, it’s not a long-term solution. Sooner or later, the imperial guard will find us, we need to think about what we’re going to do next."

Old Madam Gu walked out from the inner hall supported by Zhou Wanqing, her phoenix-shaped hairpin holding her silver hair tightly, her voice still full of energy.

Seeing the old lady’s full head of white hair, Gu Lan’s nose tingled, and she stepped in front of her, letting her weathered, wrinkled hands gently stroke her hair. 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

"It’s this unfilial grandson who caused grandmother to endure hardships despite her age, and—"

The old lady’s expression softened slightly, still so calm and joyful, speaking with authority and depth:

"Lan, Dingyuan Marquis Mansion has stood firm in Dayan for nearly two hundred years despite going through storms, what’s this little setback now? I’ve been through so many years and seen everything.

You are my beloved granddaughter, we are a family, sharing weal and woe, honor and disgrace together. Besides, it’s the Emperor who is at fault, not the Gu Family. Dingyuan Marquis Mansion has the duty to rectify the chaos. If the Emperor is unkind, then we ought to replace him for the sake of the people."

Zhou Wanqing elegantly stood by the side, seemingly oblivious to how rebellious the old lady’s words were, just smiling gently, softly patting Gu Lan’s hand, and said softly: "Lan, you are always your mother’s pride, and mother will always stand behind you."

Gu Lan’s nose was red, her lips curled into a gentle arc, her voice a bit choked, she asked: "What is Second Aunt doing again, it smells so fragrant."

Mrs. Wang and Zijin popped their heads out from the small kitchen, Zijin smiled softly: "I’m making Young Master’s favorite Osmanthus Cake, and Second Mistress is making fried chicken."

Mrs. Wang’s hands were stained with soft, fluffy flour, she was still chubby, the laugh lines at the corners of her eyes deepening, she said:

"Lan, you must have suffered a lot during these days in the palace, just wait a bit longer, Second Aunt’s secret recipe fried chicken will soon be ready."

"That’s great, then I’ll eat as much as I want this time." Gu Lan blinked, her heart sore, tears welling up in her eyes.

The next moment, Gu Changting and Second Young Master Gu, both covered in flour, were chased out of the kitchen by Mrs. Wang, like two defeated roosters.

"Get out, you’re just causing me more trouble!"

With a head full of flour, Gu Changting walked over to Gu Lan, feeling wronged: "Brother Lan, long time no see, you’ve lost weight."

Gu Lan twitched the corners of her mouth, holding back her tears due to his comical appearance.

"Brother Lan," Gu Changting half-said, then corrected himself halfway, scratching his head shyly, "No, sister, I actually have a sister now, don’t worry little sister, we are all fine now, you should be too."

Second Young Master Gu stood by, watching his son and niece with a silly smile.