Zhao Sheng continued, "Duke Zhao must have heard that the Heir Apparent is getting married and will be rushing back to Bianjing without delay upon receiving the news."
Zhao Changdu stopped in his tracks and glanced sideways at Zhao Sheng coolly. "Uncle Zhao used to be Grandfather's most capable man. Now that you're old and have stayed in Bianjing for too long, how have you become muddled-headed?"
What would the Emperor think if Duke Zhao returned to the capital without an edict, with soldiers under his command?
The military power held by the Zhao family had always been a thorn in the Emperor's side. He hated that he couldn't pluck it out and would be overjoyed to do so. How dare Zhao Hui threaten him with the lives of the entire Zhao clan?
Zhao Sheng paused before saying, "This servant is only conveying the message."
After all, aside from him, no one else in the Duke's residence could reason with this cold-blooded and sinister Heir Apparent.
Zhao Changdu scoffed and didn't continue to make things difficult for Zhao Sheng. "Very well, I shall go see what other tricks they're trying to play."
Zhao Sheng pursed his lips and furrowed his brows without responding.
...
Zhengde Pavilion, the Duke's Residence
Duke Zhao and Madam Cheng waited anxiously.
Madam Cheng said indignantly, "Sir, isn't Changdu being far too disrespectful by not informing us about such an important matter? A marriage cannot be treated so trivially. He sent the bride price to the Gu family without so much as a word to us. This... this is simply inappropriate!"
Hearing Madam Cheng's goading, Duke Zhao became even more disgusted with his uncontrollable heir.
But when he thought of Changdu's late mother, Madam Lin, he couldn't help sighing. Perhaps if Madam Lin hadn't died early, their father-son relationship wouldn't have deteriorated to this extent...
"Enough! When he returns, I will ask what he is thinking!"
"Sir~~~" Madam Cheng felt wronged by his scolding. "If he really fancies that lowly Gu girl, what about the Huo family?"
She and Zhao Rou had made plans long ago.
The two families would strengthen ties through the marriage. Then the Huo family would help get Zhao Changxing an honorable position at court. That was the idea.
Madam Cheng sneered. "Besides, even if we don't ally with the Huo family, we still have Princess Yueyan, born to Her Majesty the Empress. There's no way the Gu's undistinguished daughter should get priority."
Duke Zhao furrowed his brows tightly.
He had seen Gu Ying at the winter hunt and didn't find her undistinguished at all. On the contrary, she had made quite an impression, with the grace of Madam Ye, once the greatest beauty in Bianjing.
Although the Gu family had been shunned by all in recent days despite Madam Qin's efforts on their behalf, from what he heard, Prince Duan and the Crown Prince seemed interested too. After all, bringing Madam Ye into one's camp through a marriage would be the optimal path to power for the two princes with the best chance at the throne.
"Who said—" Zhao Changdu hooked his lips into a faint smile as he entered Zhengde Pavilion "—she is undistinguished?"
Madam Cheng stood up in shock. She quickly hid the annoyance on her face and replaced it with a loving smile. "Changdu, you're finally back. Have you eaten yet, so late in the night?"
Zhao Changdu sat down nonchalantly. "Yes."
Dinner had been quite delicious and he was rather full.
Duke Zhao looked at his son's cold face and couldn't hold back his anger. "I heard you proposed to the Gu family today?"
"Mm."
"Without informing us beforehand?"
"Why would I inform you?"
"I'm your father!" Duke Zhao was furious now.
"Oh?" Zhao Changdu's lips curved up mockingly as he slowly drank from the teacup on the table. "I was raised by Grandfather. I don't recall having a father like you."
Duke Zhao was so angry that his hair bristled. He slammed the table forcefully. "Zhao Changdu! You unfilial child! I do not consent to your marriage with that Gu girl! Cancel the engagement at once!"
Zhao Changdu raised a brow, a cold smile spreading on his lips. "I insist on marrying her. What can you do about it?"
"Do you believe—" Duke Zhao looked around wildly for a weapon "—I will beat you to death, you unfilial wretch!"
Sparks flew in the hall. Zhao Changdu calmly drank his tea, sitting firmly like a mountain, only watching Duke Zhao's furious actions. The smile faded from the corners of his mouth and his eyes grew icy cold.
This so-called father had always been a failure.
Not only could he not protect his wife, now he dared interfere in Changdu's marriage?
Madam Cheng hurriedly held onto Duke Zhao's arm, glancing cautiously at Zhao Changdu. She pleaded, "Husband, don't be angry. Changdu must have his reasons for doing this. Listen to what he has to say... Changdu, you shouldn't have kept such an important matter from me and your father and aunt. You know your aunt's daughter has long had feelings for you and wishes to marry you. Mother won't say anything else. Just explain yourself clearly to your father. From what I found out about that Gu girl, she really isn't suitable for you. Marriage is no trivial matter. Don't be stubborn over this. Listen to your father and call off the engagement."
Duke Zhao relaxed, ready to take the proffered olive branch.
But Zhao Changdu had lost his patience. He stood up and gazed coldly at the hypocritical couple. "The engagement will not be called off. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."
With that, he left without sparing an ounce of face for Zhao Hui and Madam Cheng.
"Ungrateful child! This unfilial son! He should have died outside long ago!"
Duke Zhao was furious. His chest heaved violently and he found it hard to breathe, clutching his chest as he nearly fainted from rage.
"Husband, don't get worked up." Madam Cheng gritted her teeth as she supported Duke Zhao, cursing Zhao Changdu in her heart.
But she maintained her reasonable composure. "We have ways to control Changdu. Just leave it to me to discipline that Gu girl properly. I guarantee that within a month, she and Changdu will be obedient."
Duke Zhao eyed her suspiciously, unconvinced.
But it was true that she had kept Huo Qiyun under her thumb all these years.
With her background, Gu Ying was even less than Huo Qiyun. Although she had Madam Ye's powerful backing, Gu Ying had grown up in the Gu residence since childhood with little contact with Madam Ye. As the daughter of a military officer like Gu Boqing, she likely hadn't been taught much. While her archery skills were dazzling, compared to other daughters of prestigious families in Bianjing, she probably didn't even qualify as a polished young lady.
It would be easy to control such an unintelligent girl.
