The Princess of Liang's eyes flickered slightly, and she quickly agreed.
Early the next morning, when Lu Jinxuan came to pay his respects, he asked about his elder brother's marriage. "Mother, how could Brother be so bold? Isn't he afraid that Father will be angry?"
The Princess of Liang said coldly, "Angry? How could your father really be angry with him? Besides, regarding the imperial betrothal, the Emperor had already discussed it with your father. Your father just didn't tell us. Your father has always been partial."
Lu Jinxuan became even more nervous and asked, "Mother, although the Gu family is only a marquis family, they hold real power and are deeply trusted by the Emperor. If Brother marries a daughter of the Gu family, it's like having the support of the Gu family. Then, isn't it even more impossible for me to become the heir apparent?"
The Princess of Liang sneered, "Don't worry. No matter how powerful the Gu family is, they're just a marquis family. They can't compare with the Qi family. Qi Manyan is the legitimate eldest daughter. Her status is much higher than that of Gu Liyue. Before, the wife of the Qi family talked to me. But Lu Jinchen was just so disappointing that he annoyed Mrs. Qi. Now, he even ignored the Qi family and directly asked the Emperor to bestow the marriage..."
Lu Jinxuan hesitated for a moment. "Miss Qi is really pitiful."
"She's not pitiful. She's lucky. She insisted on marrying Lu Jinchen before. I always had a chance to stop their marriage. If a woman of her age couldn't get married, it would be very difficult for her to marry in the future. But now, since Lu Jinchen doesn't want her, it's her chance and also yours."
Lu Jinxuan was stunned and quickly shook his head. "Mother, although Miss Qi is beautiful and has a good family background, I... how could I marry a woman that Brother doesn't want?"
The Princess of Liang looked at him seriously. "Xuan'er, you must remember that you're just the second son of the Prince of Liang now. You're not the heir apparent yet. As long as Lu Jinchen is around, others will think you're inferior to him. Moreover, when you were born, I was just a concubine. They will always remember that you're a concubine-born son. Do you understand?"
Lu Jinxuan pouted. "That's exactly why I can't marry the woman he doesn't want."
The Princess of Liang patted Lu Jinxuan's shoulder. "Xuan'er, Qi Manyan is the most beautiful girl in the capital. She's both beautiful and virtuous, and her family background is also very high. Just think about it. In this situation, how could Qi Manyan marry into a good family? If you don't mind the past and marry her with love and respect, how could she not wholeheartedly help you?"
However, no matter how the Princess of Liang persuaded him, Lu Jinxuan was still reluctant.
The Princess of Liang said again, "In ancient times, King Goujian of Yue endured hardships to take revenge. Since you have great ambitions, you should know how to make sacrifices. When you become the Prince of Liang one day, today's shame can be wiped out."
Lu Jinxuan took a deep breath, gritted his teeth, and nodded. "I'll listen to you, Mother."
Not long after, it was the wedding day of the second young master of the Qi family. While dressing Gu Liyue's hair, Mrs. Qin said with a smile, "Don't think that the Qi family has been a family of civil officials for generations. But when the old Duke of Qi and your grandfather were young, they had a very deep friendship. They even slept in the same bed and talked all night. Once, your grandfather was defeated in a battle and lost all news. Your grandmother almost couldn't hold on. It was the old Duke of Qi who volunteered to go to the border defense. He said that no matter whether he was alive or dead, he would bring your grandfather back to reassure your grandmother. That's why your grandmother could survive."
Gu Liyue had no impression of the Qi family. She only knew that Qi Manyan was not easy to get along with. She didn't expect that there was actually a deep relationship between the Qi family and the Gu family.
Seeing Gu Liyue's strange expression, Mrs. Qin knew that she had a knot in her heart. So she smiled and said, "It's true that the eldest daughter of the Qi family was infatuated with the Heir Apparent Lu before. But there are not only Qi Manyan who like a man like the Heir Apparent Lu. Anyway, the Heir Apparent Lu has already asked the Emperor to bestow the marriage. You don't need to care about the past."
Gu Liyue nodded. It's better to avoid trouble. She didn't mention that Qi Manyan had threatened her before.
Mrs. Qin said again, "Your uncle and Qi Manyan's father grew up together like real brothers. Liyue, today is a happy day for the Qi family. You..."
Gu Liyue smiled sweetly. "Don't worry, Second Aunt. I know what to do."
Mrs. Qin stroked Gu Liyue's hair. "Although you should be careful, you're a daughter of the Gu family. You're no worse than Qi Manyan. If anything happens, just tell me. We won't let you suffer."
After thinking for a while, Mrs. Qin reminded her again, "By the way, the Princess of Liang will also go today. She's not the Heir Apparent Lu's biological mother, but she's still his nominal mother for now. No matter what kind of relationship the Heir Apparent has with her, you'll always meet her in the future. You should at least give her some face. Do you understand?"
Gu Liyue nodded again.
Mrs. Qin even laughed at herself. "Look at me. I'm worried about everything. But you're a girl who doesn't like to cause trouble. What do I have to worry about? I should be worried that if someone bullies you, you'll just keep silent."
Gu Liyue also laughed. "Don't worry, Second Aunt. If something really happens, I'll find a way to tell you. I won't let anyone bully me."
Only then did Mrs. Qin feel completely relieved. She took Gu Liyue out.
This wasn't Gu Liyue's first time attending a banquet. Moreover, she had made many friends in the past few months, so she didn't feel very constrained. She just felt a little embarrassed when she saw Qi Manyan.
But Qi Manyan was calm and composed. She behaved properly and didn't show any sign of discomfort.
Gu Liyue breathed a sigh of relief slightly. She was worried that Qi Manyan would blame her because of the imperial betrothal. She didn't expect that Qi Manyan was so gentle. Thinking about it, such a noble lady must have her own principles. She wouldn't blame others casually just because of a failed marriage.
Since they were not familiar with each other, Qi Manyan just said a few words and then went to greet other young ladies.
After the banquet, Gu Liyue, as usual, played with the Qin sisters, chatted, and even played chess for a while. Gu Liyue didn't know how to play chess, but Qin Caiyin's chess skills were also poor. So they could play together.
The Miss Shen beside them was amused and laughed out loud. "Look at Sister Qin and Sister Gu playing chess. They look so serious, but no one can understand what they're doing."
Qin Caiyin grinned. "Now I've finally found a real chess friend. Even if you ask me to play chess in the future, I won't play with you."
Miss Shen quickly grabbed Qin Caiyin's arm. "Good sister, I was wrong. Please don't be like this. I'm still counting on you to play chess with me for a few more years."
Everyone burst into laughter again. They were joking and having fun. Gu Liyue couldn't help laughing heartily either. These sisters were really interesting after getting to know each other.
Just then, they heard the voices of several ladies from behind the wall.
"Alas, that marriage was bestowed by the Emperor after all. Even if I don't like it, I have no choice. That Miss Gu... it's not that she's not good..."
Miss Gu?
The noble ladies here fell silent and looked at each other. They looked at Gu Liyue with complicated expressions.
"The status of the Gu family is certainly good. But our Jinchen is like the bright moon. He should be matched with a young lady like yours, who was born and raised in the capital and has extraordinary upbringing. Anyway, he shouldn't marry a wild girl from the countryside."