Gu Ying's brow furrowed. She really couldn't imagine Zhao Changdu going crazy for a woman.
Had he gotten over his deep love for Huo Qiyun? It had been ten years since they parted. People were starting to forget about it. Now he had suddenly returned and taken up office in the capital again. It seemed he would be staying at the Duke's estate for quite some time. Living under the same roof, their paths would cross daily. If Gu Ying married into the household, she would have to face the woman he loved every day, perhaps even watching their lingering glances. Wouldn't that make her uncomfortable?
Qin spoke candidly. She had married well herself.
Imperial Censor Ye only had her as his proper wife. He was normally principled and strict, doing everything by the book. He never so much as glanced at another woman. So she especially hated men with multiple wives and concubines.
Even when the current Emperor with his three palaces and six chambers made an off-color joke in front of Imperial Censor Ye, she would scold him a couple times.
It was true that a crooked beam caused the whole house to slant. These powerful officials in Bianjing were a bad influence.
Gu Ying laughed. She concealed the subtle complexity in her heart and said teasingly, "Auntie, what are you saying? Miss Huo has been married for ten years. There is no possibility between her and the Prince. Even if he did love her before, so what? The Prince is twenty-five now, not a fifteen year old boy. He has his own life to continue and knows what he wants for the future. He's at the age to marry and can't dwell in the past forever."
Besides, she wasn't marrying the Prince for love anyway.
Qin was still very worried. She thought it over and made up her mind, "I still feel your marriage is inappropriate. I don't approve. Your uncle and maternal grandfather definitely won't agree either."
Gu Ying gave a self-deprecating laugh and squeezed her soft palm. In a coaxing tone she said, "Don't worry, Auntie. Ying has a sense of propriety."
She was no longer a fifteen year old girl either. She no longer harbored fantasies about romance. So she didn't really care who the Prince had loved or still loved.
She just wanted their families to agree to the marriage, and for her and the Prince to negotiate good terms.
If his heart was still on Huo Qiyun, she would draft an annulment agreement ahead of time. When the time came, she would leave the Duke's estate and Bianjing. No one would say much, at most calling her a discarded woman.
People would forget about her soon enough.
As long as Prince Zhao was reliable and didn't go back on his word.
"Marriages to elite households are difficult. If your husband doesn't dote on you, you'll have a miserable life," Qin said. She didn't know Gu Ying's thoughts. In her mind, Gu Ying was just a fifteen year old child who knew nothing about matters between men and women. She was just infatuated with the Prince's unique looks.
So she advised earnestly, "Ying, don't marry into that family and follow in her footsteps."
Gu Ying was surprised. "Does she have such a hard time?"
What did the Prince think?
A man naturally feels pity for the poor and weak. He must feel very distressed over Huo Qiyun.
Qin said, "That's right. Now that the Prince has returned and seen her in such misery, if he starts to pity her... With his temperament where no one can stop him when he's obsessed... He may try to snatch her again..."
She didn't finish, but Gu Ying understood her meaning.
She was worried Zhao Changdu only had a passing interest in her, and would abandon Gu Ying to take Huo Qiyun back.
Gu Ying also became hesitant. If the Prince was like Jiang Yin, better to stake her life fighting Mrs. Liu.
"Auntie, what do you think of the Prince's character?"
Qin considered and said, "The Prince's personality is decent. Other than being rather cold, he's a proper, steady gentleman. But he has an unruly, rebellious side. When he rebels, he's a madman. When he's not rebelling, he's measured. I'm worried that after so many years in the army, he's become harsh and aloof, not someone warm or cool-headed."
Gu Ying smiled and nodded. "Alright, Auntie, I understand. Most of what you said was hearsay. Only the Prince can tell me the truth. I believe him. Since he's willing to marry me, his heart must have let go of Miss Huo already."
She was worried Zhao Changdu was cunning like Jiang Yin, only caring about power and status without any real feelings. Hearing of his deep love for Huo Qiyun put her at ease instead.
Also, he had been back in the capital for some time but still treated Huo Qiyun with care and respect.
It showed he valued loyalty and righteousness. His character was reliable.
Qin was so anxious her face turned red. "You're still set on marrying him? The Zhao men are all fox spirits, useless pretty boys. You don't know everyone in Bianjing says Huo Qiyun hasn't conceived because of Zhao Changxing's issues, not hers!"
As Qin spoke more urgently, it was as if Gu Ying was marrying Zhao Changdu right away. Thinking of the Zhao men and their bewitching looks, she was even more against her niece marrying into that family.
Gu Ying didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "So Auntie means the Prince is also incapable?"
Qin was extremely frustrated. She slapped Gu Ying's hand and laughed in exasperation. "I didn't say that! Don't talk nonsense or the Prince will punish you if he hears!"
After listening to Qin's words, Gu Ying had made her decision.
Marrying the Prince was feasible.
Since he had loved before, he wouldn't touch her. After their marriage they would respect each other, which was ideal.
Seeing Qin out, Qin was still solemnly holding Gu Ying's hand, nagging away.
Gu Ying said sincerely, "Auntie, I'm still surnamed Gu in the end. Even if Mrs. Liu doesn't decide, I still have my grandmother on my father's side. We can only take this step."
Qin sighed. "Don't be so hasty about this. Ying, you have to consider it carefully. Getting married isn't child's play. It concerns your happiness for life, so you must be prudent."
"I know, Auntie."
After sending off Qin, Gu Ying thought to herself that she no longer had any happiness to speak of. She didn't dare hope for that anymore.
Turning back, snow fluttered from the sky.
Gu Ying gathered her thick fox fur cloak and looked down at the dark Kirin jade pendant she took out of her bosom, rolling it around in her palm. Her heart was filled with indescribable complex emotions.
She just wondered, when the Prince had loved Huo Qiyun, how deeply maddened had that love been, that he was willing to openly snatch a bride at the wedding?
