The Eldest Daughter Returns: Imperial Uncle, I'm Pregnant!

Chapter 212 Gu Hanjiao should be registered under Ning Jingxian's name.

Seeing Aunt Rou and the others come out, Gu Ziming asked, "How is the old lady?"

"We wanted to change the old lady's clothes, but the second young lady did everything herself, so we couldn't help. Now the second young lady is feeding the old lady her medicine," said Aunt Li.

"Yes, I never expected that a young lady like the Second Miss could be so attentive in serving others. We are all ashamed."

Gu Ziming nodded, seemingly unwilling to mention Gu Hanjiao's name at this moment, but Gu Qingwan wouldn't let Gu Ziming avoid it.

"Father, don't worry. I believe Grandmother is a lucky person and everything will be alright. I have already sent someone with your name to invite the imperial physician. He will take another look at her later."

"Qing'er has grown up and become sensible."

"Yes, Father, Grandmother will surely be blessed by heaven."

Gu Ziming looked at Gu Qingwan with complicated emotions. He didn't know why, but even though it was a kind remark, it sounded so sarcastic coming from Gu Qingwan's mouth.

"Does Father mean he wants to adopt my second sister into the Gu family?"

"What, do you have a problem with this?"

"I wouldn't dare," Qingwan said. "I'm happy for my second sister. This is a good thing. After all, my second sister was raised by my father. If he were to abandon her now, he would surely be heartbroken."

"Then what do you mean?"

"Qingwan didn't mean anything by it; she was just thinking about her second sister's identity."

"Her identity? She's the second young lady of the manor." Gu Ziming subconsciously thought that Gu Qingwan was holding a grudge against Wang Ruyan and thus implicated Gu Hanjiao, so he reassured her.

"Qingwan, your father knows you resent what Wang Shi did, but Jiao'er is innocent. She knew nothing about it, and the blood test confirmed her identity last time. She is indeed your sister, and will be the Third Prince's consort in the future, so..."

"Qingwan knows that Gu Hanjiao is her daughter's younger sister. What Qingwan is worried about is the identity of the Third Prince's consort. Is this second younger sister the legitimate daughter or not?"

Although Gu Hanjiao was feeding the medicine inside, she listened very carefully to what was being said outside. When she heard this part, her hand paused for a moment, and the spoon in her hand poked the old lady's nose. Fortunately, Xique was tidying up nearby and didn't see it. Gu Hanjiao quickly grabbed a handkerchief and wiped it haphazardly.

Gu Ziming hadn't considered this issue. If he acknowledged Gu Hanjiao as his legitimate daughter, then he would have to acknowledge Wang Shi as his legal wife. However, he would absolutely not tolerate what that bitch Wang Ruyan had done.

However, if Wang's position is not acknowledged, then Gu Hanjiao cannot become the legitimate daughter unless she is registered under the name of the late Madam Ning Jingxian.

Gu Qingwan didn't press him, waiting for Gu Ziming to think it over.

"Ahem, Qingwan, you already know that Jiao'er was personally betrothed by the Emperor, and as the legitimate daughter, she is naturally of the legitimate birth."

"So, Father, are you planning to hide Wang's body in the Gu family's ancestral graveyard? Father, you truly are a prime minister with a magnanimous heart. I just wonder if the Gu family's ancestor will be so angry that he'll flip the coffin lid."

"You..." Gu Ziming's face turned red with embarrassment at Gu Qingwan's words. "Then naturally we won't let that bitch be buried in the Gu family's ancestral tomb!"

"Then the second sister can only be a concubine's daughter."

“No, the royal family will not accept that the Third Prince’s wife is a concubine’s daughter.” Gu Ziming softened his tone and said in a conciliatory manner, “She is your sister. As your father, I can register Jiao’er under your mother’s name, so that she will also be a legitimate daughter.”

These words were exactly what Gu Hanjiao wanted to hear. If she were registered under her stepmother's name, she would not only be the legitimate eldest daughter but also the granddaughter of the Duke of Ningguo's mansion, a status far better than what she had before.

"No! My mother will not accept the daughter of her enemy as her own."

"Qingwan, your mother is a kind person, she certainly won't mind."

"Hmph, Prime Minister, you've got a good plan. Whether I agree to this or not is another matter; you'll probably have to ask the Ning family if they agree!"

Mentioning the Ning family, Gu Ziming's rebellious nature resurfaced: "This is a matter for my Gu family. What if the Ning family disagrees!"

"Father, don't worry. You can try to see how far my maternal grandparents and my uncle can go for my mother. Father, the Prime Minister's mansion is already in dire straits and may not be able to withstand the Ning family's attack."

Gu Qingwan remained calm throughout, and her composure gradually calmed Gu Ziming down from his impulsiveness.

Yes, the Prime Minister's residence seems peaceful now, but that's just an illusion. It's the calm before the storm. After tonight, tomorrow at court, a whole bunch of memorials impeaching him will be flying onto the Emperor's desk, and he hasn't figured out how to deal with it yet.

Although the Third Prince's situation is much better than before, the Emperor has made it clear that the Third Prince cannot attend court until the Crown Prince returns. It is unknown how many people will speak up for him at that time.

If he angers the Ning family at this time, he might not only lose his official position, but the entire Gu family might also be lost.

Thinking of this, Gu Ziming compromised, because he still needed the Ning family to help him resolve the current crisis.

When Gu Hanjiao heard that there was no sound outside, she didn't care whether the medicine the old lady was drinking was too hot or not, and she drank it all down in one go.

The sound choked the sleeping old lady, and the magpie, hearing the noise, rushed over to help.

"Madam, please take your time."

Gu Hanjiao said apologetically, "It's all my fault. I didn't take good care of my grandmother."

"Second Miss, don't feel guilty. You've done very well. I'll go get the old lady some clean clothes to help her recover."

After the magpie left, Gu Hanjiao put away her pitiful appearance and went behind the door to listen carefully.

"Let's put this matter on hold for now and talk about it another day."

"In the future? Who does Father plan to tell? My mother, the Ning family, or Consort Yu?"

Gu Qingwan couldn't help but let out a sarcastic smile.

Gu Ziming said with some annoyance, "Then tell me what we should do!"

No sooner had he finished speaking than someone came to report from outside. Gu Hanqing told the servant to wait at the door for a while, and then went in to report, "Father, the Ning family has arrived."

"What! Who came?!"

"I heard it was Madam Ning who came. She had heard that something had happened to our family, and Old Madam Ning sent Madam Ning to take my eldest sister back. But when she arrived here, she heard that Grandmother was ill, so she wanted to come and see her."

Gu Ziming couldn't help but sigh repeatedly. Fortunately, it was Madam Ning who came from the Ning family. It was a good thing that his father-in-law, mother-in-law, and brother-in-law didn't come.

"Please come quickly."

Before long, Madam Ning came over in a hurry.

"Aunt, what brings you here?" Gu Qingwan went out to greet her personally.

“How could I not come? The rumors about what happened at the Prime Minister’s residence are spreading all over the capital. Your maternal grandmother was so worried that she couldn’t even drink water. Your maternal grandfather even wanted to bring his personal guards to fetch you. Rather than that, I’d rather come. How are you?”

"I'm fine. I originally planned to return to the Duke's mansion after resolving things here, but this place is indeed not very good."

"Not good? What's wrong with it?" Madam Ning stopped her brisk pace and asked.

"Aunt, Qingwan has found the cause of Mother's death."

"What! How could Jingxian..."

“Aunt, please calm down for now.” Gu Qingwan pressed down on Madam Ning’s hand and said, “There is something more urgent right now. My father actually wants to register Gu Hanjiao under my mother’s name in order to maintain the status of the Third Prince’s consort.”

"Hmph! Gu Ziming dares to think like that! Although I don't know exactly what's going on, I've heard a bit from outside that Gu Ziming is trying to insult my deceased sister!" Madam Ning was very angry.

"aunt……"

"Good child, I'm sorry to trouble you. Don't say anything, I know what I'm doing. Come on, let's go see your aunt."

Gu Qingwan nodded and accompanied Madam Ning to the old lady's courtyard. Gu Ziming stepped forward to greet her, and Madam Ning simply nodded politely.

"You're too kind, Lord Gu. I'll go see the old lady first and then come back to speak with you."

"Of course, Qingwan, you will accompany Madam Ning."

Upon entering the inner room, they saw Gu Hanjiao kneeling before the bed, carefully wiping the old lady's hands. Madam Ning only glanced at her from afar without disturbing her, and then left with Gu Qingwan.

Gu Hanjiao heard the noise and stopped what she was doing.

"Lord Gu, I brought Qingwan back today at the behest of my parents."

Gu Ziming thought about it and decided that it was best not to offend the Ning family at this time.

“Even if Madam isn’t coming, I was planning to send Qingwan there anyway. The house is too chaotic, and Qingwan’s health isn’t good. It would be a bit quieter at the Duke’s mansion.”

"Hmph, it's not just me, Qingwan, who needs some peace and quiet; my sister needs it too. I've already heard rumors on the way here that Your Excellency is planning to register your precious daughter under my sister's name?"

Gu Ziming glared at Gu Qingwan, somewhat blaming her for telling Madam Ning all this.

"Hehe, I did mention it briefly. Madam knows that Jiao'er is a pitiful child. Didn't your mother-in-law like Jiao'er a lot before...?"

"Lord Gu, please don't bring this up again. Our Ning family will not agree to it."

"Is Madam trying to force Jiao'er to her death?" Gu Hanjiao came out from inside at some point, her eyes were red and her face was pale, and she was being supported by Chunlu.

"I don't understand what you're saying, Miss. I'm just here to pick up Qingwan from our family. How could you say I'm forcing you to your death?"

"Madam, please have mercy. My sister won't miss me."

"My darling..." Gu Ziming felt as if his beloved daughter was being cut down by her humble state.

"What are you saying, Miss? Qingwan certainly doesn't think that having one more person doesn't matter, after all, you are sisters. But my Ning family can't do that; having one more person would indeed be too much."

Madam Ning's meaning was very clear: the Ning family would not allow Gu Hanjiao to be registered under Ning Jingxian's name, nor would they acknowledge this granddaughter who came out of nowhere.

"Why is Madam so resolute in refusing? If our beloved daughter becomes the Third Prince's consort in the future, the Ning family will also be honored, won't they?"

“Lord Gu, our Ning family would rather not have such a light. I am still in charge of the Duke’s mansion. If you don’t believe me, you can ask my father and mother yourself.”

"Let me add one more thing, Second Miss, don't underestimate yourself. I heard that the Third Prince was so in love with you that he was willing to offend the Emperor to marry you. You should also believe in the Third Prince."

"Your Madam is right, I will remember it." Gu Hanjiao replied as if she were aggrieved, which made Gu Ziming feel heartbroken once again.

"Let's go, Qingwan, it's getting late, let's hurry back."