Chapter 55: So You Refuse to Speak, Is That It?

“…” Du Gou hesitated for a long while before he finally decided to speak. After all, this was a matter of great importance—no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't possibly keep it a secret from Li Yi. Furthermore, to keep such a thing bottled up would only fester in his heart.

So, locking eyes with Li Yi, Du Gou lowered his voice and said, “Third Brother, I also heard that Lady Zhangsun said… if she isn't given an explanation, she intends to enter the palace and inform Her Majesty the Empress, asking her to see justice done!”

“Third Brother, if the Empress is determined to stand up for her own family, this matter will become far more serious!”

At these words, Du Gou's face was full of worry, even tinged with indignation. But with Princess Li Lizhi present, he couldn't very well let loose with curses and so begrudgingly held his frustration in, not daring to let it show.

After all, Li Lizhi was both the Empress's daughter and had close ties to the Zhangsun family.

But after hearing Du Gou's account, Li Yi looked genuinely surprised, his brow furrowing. He hadn't expected the situation to escalate to this degree! True, he had beaten up Zhangsun Chong, which wasn't exactly right, but compared to Zhangsun Chong's own actions, was his response really out of line?

Li Yi asked himself and felt no guilt toward anyone.

Now that things had reached this stage, Li Yi had no fear of further trouble.

Let soldiers meet the enemy, let water meet earth—he was not one to shrink from conflict.

“Ergou, don't worry about this. Trust me, I know what I'm doing,” Li Yi said after a moment of reflection.

“But Third Brother…” Du Gou wanted to say more, but when he saw Li Yi wave his hand, he fell silent. There was little he could do to help Li Yi in this.

Resigned, Du Gou clenched his teeth and cursed, “Hmph! Third Brother, don't worry, as for that scoundrel Zhangsun Chong—I'll definitely find a chance to give him a good thrashing on your behalf!”

Li Yi glanced at Du Gou in surprise. He hadn't expected the usually timid Du Gou to show such loyalty at a critical moment.

So Li Yi couldn't help but laugh. “Very well—why not go thrash him now and vent my anger?”

Du Gou's lips twitched. He quickly waved his hands with a wry smile. “Ahem… Third Brother, well, perhaps… now is not the best time…”

Li Yi: “…”

As expected, Ergou was still Ergou—he had given him too much credit.

Meanwhile, Du Xiaomei and the others, watching the interaction, found themselves growing more curious.

“What are they talking about?” Du Xiaomei asked, intrigued.

Li Lizhi shook her head, blinking to show she didn't know either.

At that moment, Li Yi approached them. He glanced at Du Xiaomei and Li Lizhi, then smiled and bowed to Li Lizhi. “My apologies, Princess. There are matters awaiting my attention at home, so I must take my leave. Please forgive me for any discourtesy.”

Li Lizhi was momentarily taken aback, then returned his smile graciously. “No need for such formality, Sir Li. If you have business to attend to, please go ahead. I have Xiaomei to keep me company.”

“Thank you, Princess.” Li Yi nodded, smiling warmly.

Then he turned to Du Xiaomei, his expression gentle. “Little sister, I’ll come see you another day.”

“Mm! Go on, husband, don’t worry about me,” Du Xiaomei replied, nodding.

Seeing that Li Yi chose not to elaborate, she refrained from asking further.

After bidding them farewell, Li Yi called for Yue’er and hurried back to the Li residence without delay.

…

Meanwhile, in the rear garden of the Du residence—

As soon as Li Yi’s figure disappeared, Du Xiaomei turned to Du Gou, her eyes narrowing as she asked in a rather frosty tone, “Brother, just what were you discussing with my husband? Why did he leave in such a hurry?”

Du Gou stared at her, momentarily speechless.

Seriously? That was a complete change in attitude! Just a moment ago she was all smiles—a lovely beauty—and now, facing her own brother, she wore the face of an ice queen? Was there really a need for such double standards?

“Ahem…” Du Gou coughed, his mouth twitching as he attempted a calm reply. “It’s nothing, really. Just some trivial matters…”

It wasn’t that he refused to tell her, but with Li Lizhi present, he truly didn’t know how to broach the subject.

But his answer only made Du Xiaomei more uncomfortable.

“Oh, you won’t say, is that it? Hah…” Her tone turned icy as she clenched her fists and strode toward him.

That single laugh was like a spell, frightening Du Gou so much he immediately prepared to flee.

But with no talent for martial arts, escape was impossible. In just a few strides, Du Xiaomei easily caught him by the collar and dragged him back.

“Hey, little sister, let go! I’m your big brother…” Du Gou cried out in distress.

But Du Xiaomei paid no heed to his protests. Instead, she snorted, pouting disdainfully. “If you won’t tell me, I’ll beat you up first and then go tell Father you bullied me again!”

Du Gou was left speechless, defeated by life itself.

Damn it! How many beatings have I taken from you since we were children? And now you’re playing this card again?

Yet he also had to admit—Du Xiaomei’s tactics never failed.

He always felt like some stray child picked up from the street, endlessly bullied by his little sister.

Fear crept into his heart.

“Little sister, it’s not that I don’t want to tell you, it’s just that this really isn’t easy to explain…” Du Gou protested, eyes wide, neck stiffened as he tried to defend himself.

“Are you going to tell me or not?” Du Xiaomei demanded, her gaze fierce.

Du Gou: “…”

Watching the siblings’ antics from the side, Li Lizhi couldn’t help but purse her lips in a silent laugh.

So little sister really is the ultimate protective wife! she thought to herself.

Seeing Du Xiaomei raise her delicate fist, Du Gou immediately caved.

He glanced at Li Lizhi in the distance, then at Du Xiaomei before him, utterly resigned. “Little sister, this matter is of great importance—and it involves the Princess as well. I truly don’t know if I should say anything.”

Du Xiaomei froze, surprised. “It involves the Princess?”

Li Lizhi, equally stunned, walked over, her face full of confusion. “Brother Du, you’re saying this matter… involves me?”

Du Gou nodded solemnly, not daring to hide the truth. “It’s very much related!”

After a brief silence, Li Lizhi recalled the way Li Yi had frowned before leaving without a word. She realized at once that this was no trivial matter.

Her expression turning grave, she said, “Then tell me everything.”

Du Gou was at a loss for words.

If he’d known, he would never have come here—otherwise, how could he have ended up in such a predicament?

But since Li Lizhi had asked so directly, he dared not conceal anything. And so, he recounted everything that had happened, from beginning to end…

(End of chapter)