Can a System Have Bad Intentions? - Chapter 81

“What happened?”

Seeing Yuan Bao’s expression, Lu Tang paused mid-bite and turned to ask.

Qin Mo and Song Qingzhan also looked over.

Yuan Bao said, “Gu Songming said he was expelled from the Gu family by Gu Yunhe for drunkenly harassing Gu Yunhe’s concubine.”

Lu Tang:!

Her hand shook, and her chopsticks fell.

“When?”

“Just now. Gu Songming said he has been removed from the Gu family registry and cut all ties with them. He is leaving Qingshui County with his wife and children. Before leaving, he wanted to see you one last time, but since you wouldn’t see him, he asked me to give you this.”

Yuan Bao handed a letter to Lu Tang.

“He’s already left. He came in a carriage with his wife and children.”

Lu Tang took the letter and opened it.

The letter was brief.

Gu Songming knew that Yu Shunhai in prison was Gu Yunhe’s lifeline, but he didn’t know the specifics. He could only help by severely provoking Gu Yunhe tonight. Whether it would disrupt Gu Yunhe’s meticulous plans, he was unsure.

Lu Tang’s hands trembled as she held the letter.

So, Gu Songming harassed Gu Yunhe’s concubine for this?

Lu Tang continued reading.

Over the years, those sent to the capital by Gu Yunhe had mostly died.

Lu Tang’s hands shook again, and the paper slipped from her grasp.

They died?

As far as she knew, many people had been sent to the capital by Gu Yunhe.

And they all…died?

Lu Tang had grown up as a spoiled child, her biggest worries being not catching good crickets to beat Zhou Shu and struggling with literacy, resulting in scoldings from her sister.

Ever since she was dragged into Gu family’s mess, she hadn’t felt much fear.

But now…

She wasn’t exactly afraid; it was hard to describe. She just felt that good people, full of dreams, hopes, and enthusiasm, went to the capital and then…

Qin Mo’s warm hand covered her trembling one, snapping her out of her chaotic thoughts. She looked up at him.

The usually stern Qin Mo gently held her trembling hand and rubbed her head, saying softly, “We came here to investigate Gu Yunhe. Don’t worry, he won’t get away this time.”

Used to Qin Mo’s harsh words, Lu Tang found his sudden soft comfort surprisingly effective.

Whether it was his warm hand or his words, she felt better.

Yuan Bao left, and after a moment of silence, Song Qingzhan said, “When Young Master Lu analyzed things at the inn, I sent word to the capital to investigate those who went there from Qingshui County. I thought it would take three to five days to get results. I didn’t expect to get them today.”

“Do you think Gu Songming is telling the truth?” Lu Tang asked.

Qin Mo replied, “Though we don’t know his reasons, it’s certain that Gu Songming wants to cut ties with the Gu family. You don’t need to feel guilty or sorry for him. His outburst today wasn’t just to provoke Gu Yunhe but also to use Gu Yunhe’s current state to achieve his own goal.”

Lu Tang understood.

Normally, even if Gu Songming harassed Gu Yunhe’s concubine, he might not be expelled from the family.

But today was different.

Today, Yu Shunhai was captured.

Gu Yunhe was anxious and unsettled. In this state, Gu Songming’s scandal would likely cause Gu Yunhe to vent all his emotions on him.

And since Gu Songming was prepared, his chances of completely severing ties with the Gu family increased significantly.

And it did.

But in doing so, he also helped them.

A mutually beneficial situation.

But why?

Why did Gu Songming want to leave the Gu family so badly?

And in such a decisive manner?

Lu Tang frowned, thinking.

Qin Mo couldn’t help wanting to smooth out her furrowed brows.

“Your brain isn’t great to begin with, so why strain it with these deep thoughts? Don’t waste your limited brainpower.”

He placed his chopsticks in Lu Tang’s hand, “Eat something. It’s been a long day, and you must be hungry. I haven’t used these chopsticks yet!”

He picked up the pair Lu Tang dropped, rinsed them with tea, and started eating, unconcerned that Lu Tang had used them.

Song Qingzhan was astonished.

Damn!

This jerk had thrown a fit earlier over sharing a cup with him.

Now, he’s using chopsticks Lu Tang dropped on the ground?

We’ve fought together, bled together, and this is what I get?

Lu Tang didn’t notice Song Qingzhan’s thoughts. She shot Qin Mo a covert glare.

First, you tell me to use my brain, and now you tell me not to. You’re so hard to please!

The three of them ate hotpot and discussed the case.

Meanwhile, at the Gu residence.

After Gu Songming left, Gu Yunhe was furious.

What a mess!

His eldest son did something disgraceful, and his second son was in jail. His anger boiled over, feeling like he might explode.

Not only did they fail to take down the Qiao family, but they also lost Yu Shunhai!

And that tiny Sihe Town had a Ministry of Justice official!

Every time he thought about Yu Shunhai’s potential betrayal, he felt like he was being deep-fried.

As he fumed, his trusted aide rushed in.

Gu Yunhe immediately stood up, “What’s the news?”

After the incident, he had rushed back to the county to see Huang Yunsheng, but Huang wasn’t there. With trouble at home, he left his aide to wait at Huang’s place while he returned to deal with family matters.

Nothing went right!

“Master, Lord Huang hasn’t returned.” The aide reported.

Gu Yunhe threw a pen holder in frustration.

Not returned!

Huang Yunsheng hasn’t returned!

What am I to do?

Every moment Yu Shunhai spends in jail is a threat.

“Where is he?”

“They refuse to say.”

Burning with rage, Gu Yunhe pounded the table, “Send men to the jail and get rid of Yu Shunhai.”

His aide immediately left to carry out the order.

Gu Yunhe paced, praying the night’s operation would succeed.