Gu Sinian stared at Gu Changwei with a blank expression and cold eyes.
He had no desire to waste words with Gu Changwei, nor would he allow Gu Changwei to take another step forward. As for the onlookers, they were welcome to watch if they pleased.
"A'nian, you must understand my predicament," Gu Changwei said, launching an attack on Gu Sinian.
A'nian's martial arts were initially learned from him. Although he had only taught for a short time, the young man had a certain talent for martial arts. Gu Changwei knew well that he could no longer defeat him, but in today's situation, he had to fight even if he couldn't win.
Gu Sinian showed no mercy. After more than ten moves, Gu Changwei was clearly losing. However, he had not come alone. No matter how powerful Gu Sinian was, he couldn't possibly fend off an attack from so many people.
"A'nian, I don't want to hurt you," Gu Changwei said.
Gu Sinian offered no reply, merely focusing on parrying and counter-attacking. Single-handedly, he held off Gu Changwei and his men. He couldn't defeat them, but they couldn't advance past him to do what they intended.
"Gu Changwei, you coward!" Xie Chen shouted, joining the fray.
By rights, Xie Chen should not have been at the Qin residence the day before his wedding. Yet, Xie Chen had come. Gu Sinian suspected that there were still people loyal to Xie Chen within the Qin residence. Xie Chen's arrival significantly eased Gu Sinian's pressure.
"Gu Changwei, we've said all that needs to be said. As a grown man, what's the point of this persistent harassment?"
"Xie Chen, I have nothing to say to a scoundrel like you who takes advantage of others' misfortune," Gu Changwei retorted.
"I take advantage of others' misfortune? Tell me, how have I done that?" Xie Chen's moves became increasingly fierce. In his youth, his martial arts might not have matched Gu Changwei's. However, having spent years in Nanjiang, quelling countless minor and major disturbances, he was no longer the Xie Chen of the past.
Gu Sinian occupied Gu Changwei's men alone, preventing anyone from assisting Gu Changwei. Xie Chen feigned a move towards Gu Changwei's face. Gu Changwei hastily dodged, only to be caught off guard by Xie Chen's sweeping leg. Gu Changwei fell in a disheveled heap. Xie Chen gave him no chance to get up, placing his foot on Gu Changwei's back.
With Gu Changwei captured, his men were quickly subdued by Gu Sinian and the Qin family guards.
"Xie Chen, you fought dirty," Gu Changwei protested.
"You were simply outmatched," Xie Chen retorted without politeness. "You trespassed into another's residence with your men, disturbed the hosts, and destroyed much property. According to the law—"
"That warrants six months of detention," Gu Sinian finished.
"The Dali Temple officials are waiting outside. I'll have them come in and take them away," Xie Chen said. He had made a trip to the Dali Temple on his way here.
Gu Changwei, his mouth gagged and bound, was taken away. Likewise, those who had accompanied him did not escape.
"My apologies for the disturbance, everyone. I have prepared sweet soup in the flower hall. I invite you all to join me for a bowl to calm your nerves," Old Madam Qin said with a smile.
Old Madam Gu, having witnessed the entire affair and lost face, hastily declined Old Madam Qin's invitation. Gu Sinian, concerned for his grandmother, informed his maternal grandmother and followed her out.
Xie Chen also wished to stay, but remembering the rules before his wedding, he respectfully bowed to Old Madam Qin and took his leave. He would endure, and he would see his bride tomorrow.
In the carriage, Old Madam Gu remained silent. Gu Sinian felt a pang of anxiety. After all, Gu Changwei was his father. By showing him no quarter, his grandmother must surely blame him.