Speaking of the Duke of Zhenguo's manor, it was a prominent and influential household that had rendered merit and loyal service to the throne for generations and enjoyed great imperial favor. It had been on good terms with the Huo family for generations. Although the Huo family did not wield much power, Old Master Huo was held in high esteem for his virtuous character. The younger generation of the Huo family had firmly established themselves in Dong Li's officialdom, and no one dared easily offend them.
On the other hand, the Su family of the Marquisate of Yong'an had always been loyal and devoted to the throne. For some unknown reason, they had not gotten along well with the Duke's manor in the past. It was not until later, when the two families' relationship gradually improved due to two children, but it could not be said to be very good either.
The only thing was that the current Empress was a young lady of the Su family, and the Su family was related by blood to the imperial household. The Empress had a Princess Yueyan, who was said to have admired the Prince for many years and would definitely marry the Prince.
With the imperial power being absolute, it could crush anyone.
The Duke's manor had not made any statement on this matter either, so it remained an unresolved marriage issue.
As for the Huo family, they had long intended to marry their daughter into the Duke's manor to continue the glory of both families.
The current matriarch of the Huo family, Zhao Ruo, was the sister of Duke Zhao Hui of Zhenguo. Her daughter, Huo Qiyan, was naturally intended to be married back into the Zhao family.
Therefore, the more prominent a family like the Duke's manor was, the more they understood the importance of marital alliances with relatives to ensure the pedigree of future generations.
Someone as high profile as Zhao Changdu, just what would he do during this time to be able to marry Gu Ying into his family against all opposition?
Or was his statement merely joking around with no intention of marrying her at all?
Gu Ying felt somewhat complicated. She was very clear what impact calling off the engagement with the Su family would have on her reputation.
She did indeed feel aversion towards this Prince due to some matters in her previous life.
But she had also heard some later rumors about him.
When the Duke's manor was buffeted by storms during the power struggles, and foreign enemies invaded, the old Duke desperately turned the tide but accidentally ingested lethal poison. During Dong Li's internal and external strife, it was Zhao Changdu who rushed back over a thousand miles to stabilize the border situation.
This man had fought and struggled on the battlefield for years, winning every battle. He rendered distinguished service in safeguarding the country, sacrificing himself for the nation. He was the battle god general revered by the common people and deeply loved by them.
He later married Huo Qiyan, the daughter of his aunt. Then some turmoil occurred in the capital again, the Zhao family took control of the court, and he rocketed to become the youngest regent.
Afterwards, when the Li imperial clan declined, the Zhao clan took over. Huo Qiyan became the Empress.
Thinking back to this, Gu Ying felt somewhat confused for a moment. Back then, she was in the dilapidated temple, with destitute beggars, students from out of town, and passing peasants coming and going. She only heard people mention the Empress, but no one ever said who the Emperor was. Who was the Emperor?
Could it be Zhao Changdu?
Gu Ying felt a momentary gloom in her heart, becoming even more determined about her own wishes - even with a second chance at life, she had no great ambitions, only to avenge past grievances, protect her family, and live an ordinary life.
Zhao Changdu would definitely not be a good match for her...
She now only hoped that Zhao Changdu was just joking around to tease her. How could his marriage possibly involve her, someone with a bad reputation who had a broken engagement and couldn't even recognize many words?
"Young lady?" The voice of Yin Lan called Gu Ying back from her chaotic thoughts.
Gu Ying regained her focus. Her heart was a mess, so she simply got up and said, "I'm going to check on An Ning."
...
The Gu household had not been peaceful over the past few days.
With the scandal involving Gu Jia, Gu Jia and Jiang Yin's wedding had to be delayed.
The two families quickly set a date to sit down and properly discuss the marriage.
Old Madam Jiang brought Jiang Ling'er to the Gu manor gates. They were led to the Yongshou Hall in the rear courtyard by the maids.
It was Jiang Ling'er's first time visiting such a large manor. All along the way, she couldn't help craning her neck around, curious about everything. At the same time, she nervously and shyly clutched her mother's sleeve, walking gingerly as if afraid to crack the green bricks underfoot.
Old Madam Jiang was also visiting a grand manor for the first time. Her sharp old eyes darted around wildly, and whenever she saw some novelty, her hands and feet would tremble from fear, not knowing where to put them properly.
The cotton-padded jackets worn by mother and daughter were washed to faded whiteness but still tattered. Their hair buns were also very messy, with several inappropriate ornate hairpins haphazardly inserted, frequently drawing disdainful looks and mocking from the manor's maids.
The two made their way to Yongshou Hall. As they drew near, they saw the maids and servants were all dressed in embroidered silks and wore bejeweled hairpins. This contrast highlighted the rustic airs of the mother and daughter even more.
Gu Ying brought Gu Shuang to pay respects at Yongshou Hall, coincidentally running into Jiang Ling'er and her mother.
Gu Ying raised her eyebrows. It was the first time seeing Jiang's mother without the condescending, sour and vicious sarcasm she constantly subjected Gu Ying to in their previous life. Gu Ying actually felt a little unaccustomed to it.
The maids greeted Gu Ying and Gu Shuang with composure and respect.
The neat and deferential gestures made Jiang Ling'er enviously admire them.
She stealthily raised her head to size up Gu Ying and Gu Shuang standing not far away.
They were both young ladies from distinguished families, dressed in silks and satins whose names Jiang Ling'er couldn't identify. She only felt their clothes, no matter the colors or styles, looked very beautiful.
The girl named Gu Shuang had fair and delicate skin. Her face still retained some baby fat on the jawline, with a few traces of childish naivete between the brows. Her black hair was styled into a very pretty coiffure, adorned with pleasing green jade hairpins. When she smiled gently with lowered eyes, there was a touch of charming demeanor.
But Gu Ying was different. She was shockingly beautiful at first glance, distracting to behold. Her skin was like snow, her hair like ink. She had bright eyes and white teeth. Even the simplest style and most plain color could not diminish her exquisiteness. She was like a painting come to life. Just standing there, she took people's breath away and quickened their heartbeat.
When Gu Ying coolly glanced this way, Jiang Ling'er couldn't help but lower her head in deference. She recalled that some days ago in the alley near the West Market, she had seen her elder brother speaking to this young lady about something. Her brother's gaze towards the girl had been...inscrutable, full of unspeakable feelings.
Somehow, Jiang Ling'er gritted her teeth as the admiration that rose in her quickly transformed into sharp jealousy.
Why was her fate so bitter...
"This is Master Jiang's mother?" Gu Ying's thoughts raced as countless feelings swirled within her. But in the end, she still could not let go of her grudge against this old woman who had tormented her for two years. She wanted this woman who had ground her down for so many years to clearly see what kind of life she was living now, and to let her know that she would never again lower herself to fawn over this ignorant country woman who understood nothing.
Jiang's mother anxiously looked at the exquisite beauty before her, frightened until her lips trembled. "Oh heavens! Young lady, you are truly blinding to this old body! Young lady, you are so beautiful, could it be you are a heavenly immortal?"
She had not seen Gu Jia before. At first sight of the stunning Gu Ying, she assumed this must be her future daughter-in-law.
She was overjoyed, hurriedly rubbing her rough hands on her clothes at a loss as she babbled, "Young lady is so beautiful. In the future when you marry my son, rest assured, this old body will make sure Yin treats you well and you won't suffer any grievance."
