Chapter 324: How to Break an Oath

Stone didn’t ask any more questions. "Alright. I’ll ask around when I get back. Once I find anything, I’ll send someone to deliver a message to you, Miss Gu."

As Stone turned to leave, Gu Fei stopped him. "Brother Stone, please take these things back. Thank the Young Master Heir for me. I appreciate his sentiment, but I really can’t accept these gifts."

Stone smiled. "Miss Gu, these were all confiscated from Housekeeper Wu’s residence. Just take them. There are even a few house and land deeds inside. You might find a use for them."

With that, Stone started walking out. Gu Fei shouted after him, "Brother Stone, I really can’t take them! Take them back—"

Stone was already in the carriage, gone in a flash. ’If I can’t deliver these things,’ he thought, ’the Young Master Heir will skin me alive.’

Gu Fei stared worriedly at the boxes on the ground. Old Huang approached, his face beaming with delight, and said in a hushed voice, "Miss Gu, you truly have incredible methods. With just a few simple words, you dealt with Housekeeper Wu without even getting your hands dirty."

He was now in complete awe of Gu Fei. ’Not only did she get Housekeeper Wu killed,’ he thought, ’but the Young Master Heir even rushed over to deliver gifts as an apology.’

Hearing Mr. Huang’s words, Gu Fei was momentarily unsure how to feel. She never imagined Xiao Yu would go to such lengths.

’If this is all for the Blood Drop, that seems too far-fetched.’

’And if it’s...’ Gu Fei didn’t dare to complete the thought. Seeing the boxes blocking the path, she had no choice but to call out to Tie Niu, "You and Pingzi, carry these boxes to my room."

Tie Niu and Pingzi carried the boxes to the rear courtyard. Old Huang gave Gu Fei a solemn, cupped-fist salute. "If you can find Que’er, I will be sure to reward you generously, Miss Gu."

Gu Fei waved her hand dismissively. "You should be thanking the Young Master Heir, or even Brother Stone. This wasn’t my doing."

Old Huang said nothing more. He just smiled, returned to his corner, and resumed drinking his tea.

Meanwhile, Xiao Yu returned to his courtyard. Hua Ping quickly directed the servants to set out a meal. After a few bites, Xiao Yu tossed his chopsticks down and began to pace anxiously around the room.

After waiting for nearly an hour, Hua Ping came to report, "Brother Stone has returned. He’s waiting at the second gate."

Xiao Yu said impatiently, "What is he waiting for? Tell him to come in and report at once."

A moment later, Stone entered and reported with his head bowed, "Young Master Heir, I delivered the items to Miss Gu’s shop, but she refused to accept them. She said she was not so distinguished as to be worthy of an apology from the Prince Mansion."

"She also said that she will always remember the Young Master Heir’s kindness and will certainly repay it if the opportunity arises."

Xiao Yu stared at Stone, displeased. Stone hastily added, "I explained everything to Miss Gu—that it was all a misunderstanding. I told her it had nothing to do with the Princess Consort, and especially not with you, Young Master Heir. It was all instigated by Housekeeper Wu."

"I didn’t bring the gifts back. I just left them there and came straight here."

Still vexed, Xiao Yu pressed, "Did she say anything else?"

Stone shook his head. "Nothing else."

Xiao Yu paced around the room a few times before suddenly asking Stone, "Tell me, if someone makes a deadly vow... how can it be broken?"

The corner of Stone’s mouth twitched. ’I knew you were worried about this,’ he thought. "Well, I don’t know either, Young Master Heir. But I’ve heard that vows are a matter of cause and effect. I imagine the monks at the temple would know about such things."

Xiao Yu’s eyes lit up. "You’re right. Tomorrow, we’ll go find Master Liao Yin. He’s sure to have a way to break it."

Stone wiped the sweat from his brow as he left Xiao Yu’s courtyard. The weather was already starting to get hot, and on top of that, he’d had to deal with the Young Master Heir’s thunderous temper. After running around all day, he was drenched in sweat.

But he couldn’t rest just yet. Miss Gu had also tasked him with finding Mr. Huang’s concubine.